Kinetics and Quantity of Crystallization Fouling on Polymer Surfaces: Impact of Surface Characteristics and Process Conditions

Kinetics and quantity of crystallization fouling on different polymeric surfaces are studied for the model salts of calcium sulfate and calcium carbonate and compared with those on stainless steel. The promising low scaling affinity of the polymers is attributed to their different surface properties compared to stainless steel. The crystallization kinetics and quantity are also affected by the degree of supersaturation due to higher local temperatures and concentrations. The results can be utilized in thermal desalination plants.