Polyurethane and sulfonated polysulfone blend ultrafiltration membranes - I. Preparation and characterization studies

Polyurethane (ether type) and sulfonated polysulfone (sodium salt form) in the presence of polyethylene glycol 600 were blended in various compositions using N,N-dimethylformamide as solvent and used for preparing ultrafiltration membranes by the phase inversion technique. Polymer blend composition, additive concentration, and casting and gelation conditions were optimized. Blend membranes were subjected to ultrafiltration characterizations such as compaction, pure water flux, water content, and membrane resistance. The membranes were also subjected to the determination of pore statistics and molecular weight cutoff determination studies using dextran of different molecular weights. Surface morphology of the membranes was analyzed using scanning electron microscopy at different magnifications. The effects of polymer composition and additive concentration on the above parameters were analyzed and the results are compared and discussed with those of pure sulfonated polysulfone membranes. The derived pore size, porosity, and number of pores have a remarkable interrelationship and also have a definite role and relationship with the molecular weight cutoff, morphology, and flux performance of the membranes. (C) 2002 Elsevier Science (USA).