Determination of the hydrophilic character of membranes by pulsed force mode atomic force microscopy

Hydrophilic polysulphone (PSU) membranes were modified with hydrophilic polyethylene oxide (PEO) to obtain membranes less susceptible to fouling. Pulsed force atomic force microscopy was employed to determine the hydrophilic character of the different membranes and to acquire quantitative values that can be compared easily. This technique proved to be extremely valuable in the characterisation and quantification of membrane hydrophilicity.