Background: Peusner Network Thermodynamics (PNT) enables symmetrical and/or hybrid transformation of classical Kedem-Katchalsky (K-K) equations to network forms. For homogenous nonelectrolyte solutions, two symmetrical and six hybrid forms of network K-K equations can be obtained that contain symmetrical (Rij or Lij) or hybrid (Hij, Wij, Nij, Kij, Sij or Pij) Peusner's coefficients.
Objectives: The aim of this paper is to present network form of K-K equations for homogenous ternary nonelectrolyte solutions that contains Peusner's coefficients Wij (i, j ∈ {1, 2, 3}). We also aim to calculate dependences of Wij coefficients on average concentration of one component of solution in a membrane (C1) when value of the second one (C1) is fixed and to compare these dependences with appropriate dependences for coefficients Hij, Lij and Rij presented in 1-3 parts of the paper.
Material and methods: We used a cellulose hemodialysis membrane (Nephrophan) of known transport parameters for aqueous glucose and ethanol solutions as a research material. The PNT formalism and classical form of K-K equations for ternary non-electrolyte solutions was a research tool in this paper.
Results: The network form of K-K equations was presented for ternary solutions that contain solvent and two dissolved substances. For homogenous solutions, we calculated dependences of Peusner's coefficients Wij and quotients Wij/Hij, Wij/Lij and Wij/Rij (i, j ∈ {1, 2, 3}) on average concentration of one component (C1) of the solution in a membrane when value of the second one is fixed (C2). Calculations were made using experimentally determined coefficients of reflection (σ), hydraulic permeability (Lp) and solute permeability (ω).
Conclusions: The network form of K-K equations that contain Peusner's coefficients Wij (i, j ∈ {1, 2, 3}) is a novel tool to study membrane transport. We showed that majority of the coefficients Wij and quotients Wij/Hij, Wij/Lij and Wij/Rij (i, j ∈ {1, 2, 3}) is sensitive for composition and concentration of solutions separated by a polymer membrane.