Abstract
The membrane surface and the cross section of several membranes such as cellulose, cellulose diacetate, cellulose triacetate, Hemophan, EVAL, PMMA (B2, BK), PS, PEPA, PAN, and polyamide were observed by SEM before and after used for a 4-hour dialysis session. The cellulose, cellulose diacetate and Hemophan showed a uniform structure with a relatively smooth membrane surface, while the cellulose triacetate displayed a relatively rough membrane surface with a porous structure on it's blood side cross section. In terms of deposits, platelet and leukocytes were found on the cellulose and cellulose diacetate. On the cellulose triacetate and Hemophan, their surface was covered with a thin layer of protein-like substance with deposits of platelets in some places. As reported before, EVAL had few deposits on its surface. On the PMMA (B2, BK), B2 had deposits of blood components while BK showed few deposits of such substances. PS, PEPA and PAN were found to have a micro gradient structure. PA membrane exhibited a macro void structure on their cross section.
