Propagation-of-uncertainty from contact angle and streaming potential measurements to XDLVO model assessments of membrane–colloid interactions

• XDLVO model is sensitive to errors in zeta potential and contact angle.
• Standard methods reduce errors in surface characterization.
• Streaming potential has less substantial error compared to contact angle.

Membrane fouling assessed from a fundamental standpoint within the context of the Derjaguin–Landau–Verwey–Overbeek (DLVO) model. The DLVO model requires that the properties of the membrane and foulant(s) be quantified. Membrane surface charge (zeta potential) and free energy values are characterized using streaming potential and contact angle measurements, respectively. Comparing theoretical assessments for membrane–colloid interactions between research groups requires that the variability of the measured inputs be established. The impact that such variability in input values on the outcome from interfacial models must be quantified to determine an acceptable variance in inputs. An interlaboratory study was conducted to quantify the variability in streaming potential and contact angle measurements when using standard protocols. The propagation of uncertainty from these errors was evaluated in terms of their impact on the quantitative and qualitative conclusions on extended DLVO (XDLVO) calculated interaction terms. The error introduced into XDLVO calculated values was of the same magnitude as the calculated free energy values at contact and at any given separation distance. For two independent laboratories to draw similar quantitative conclusions regarding membrane–foulant interfacial interactions the standard error in contact angle values must be ⩽ 2.5°, while that for the zeta potential values must be ⩽ 7 mV.

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