The structure and function of the thin polymeric functional layer in reverse osmosis membranes depend on the kinetics of the interfacial polycondensation (IP) reaction by which the film is formed. It has been a challenge to achieve a quantitative understanding of these kinetics because of the high velocity of the reactions and the complex geometry of the support membrane in which the reaction takes place. In this work, we describe a novel and convenient technique for studying such kinetics, and demonstrate the method on the IP reaction between meta-phenylene diamine and trimesoyl chloride. The method involves studying the reaction in a simple geometry of a drop-continuous phase interface in an emulsion, under such conditions that all transport resistances are eliminated. The reaction course is followed through an on-line pH measurement using a fast probe. Interfacial areas available for reaction are measured by an encapsulation technique, under the conditions of reaction. The methods developed have been used to study the kinetics of the m-PDA-TMC reaction as a function of m-PDA concentration and surfactant (tween-85) concentration, and a surface-area based rate function has been shown to fit the data adequately.

反渗透膜中的聚合物薄功能层的结构和功能取决于形成膜的界面缩聚（IP）反应的动力学。由于反应的高速度和发生反应的支撑膜的复杂几何形状，对这些动力学进行定量的理解一直是一个挑战。在这项工作中，我们描述了用于研究这种动力学的新颖的和方便的技术，并证明对之间的IP化学反应的方法的元-苯二胺和均苯三甲酰氯。该方法包括在消除所有输送阻力的条件下，以乳液中滴连续相界面的简单几何形状研究反应。通过使用快速探针进行在线pH测量来跟踪反应过程。在反应条件下，通过包封技术测量可用于反应的界面面积。已开发的方法已用于研究m -PDA-TMC反应动力学与m -PDA浓度和表面活性剂（tween-85）浓度的关系，并且已显示基于表面积的速率函数与数据相符充分地。