On the Pressure Distribution in Uncharged Membranes During Osmotic Plow

Experiments indicated that adsorptive forces lower the potential energy of water inside uncharged cellulose acetate membranes. As a result it is postulated that the steady-state pressure distribution during osmosis is affected. In particular, a sudden rise in pressure should occur across the water-membrane interface. Thus, in this region, water may flow against a pressure gradient.