Dow Water Solutions, the water treatment business of The Dow Chemical Co., has reached a multiyear joint development partnership with Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University (Virginia Tech) and the University of Texas at Austin (UT) in which Dow will collaborate with the universities on the research and development of oxidation-resistant reverse osmosis (RO) membranes, according to an August 26 company press release.

Virginia Tech’s Dr. James McGrath, university distinguished and Ethyl Corporation professor of chemistry, said in the press release, “This partnership is a positive step forward for the advancement of science. Through innovation, research and hard work, our joint development will present endless opportunities to deploy advanced membrane technologies, meaning greater water purification and management to the world.”

This joint partnership will develop oxidation-resistant, or chlorine-resistant, RO membranes designed to simplify the water treatment process for converting highly contaminated waters into potable water sources, the press release said.

“Over the past five years, we’ve invested significantly in innovation to provide sustainable water in a more efficient and cost-effective manner,” David Klanecky, Dow Water Solutions global director of research and development, said in the press release. “This joint partnership is yet another example of how we strategically collaborate and combine our expertise with that of innovative leaders to drive growth and bring solutions to our customers around the world.”