Sodium alginate blended membrane with polyurethane: Desalination performance and antimicrobial activity evaluation

A series of polymeric membranes were synthesized by blending polyurethane with sodium alginate (0.2, 0.4, 0.6, 0.8 and 1.0%). The structural, morphological and thermal properties of the membranes were examined by FTIR, SEM, AFM and TGA, respectively. Performance evaluation (salt rejection and flux) was assessed through reverse osmosis technique (RO). The FTIR spectra of membranes confirmed extensive hydrogen bonding (3350 cm & minus;1). The SEM and AFM analyses supported a progressively rising surface roughness of blended membranes. The hy-drophilicity, crosslinking density and thermal stability of the membranes were improved with an increase in al-ginate content. The capability of salt (NaCl and MgCl2) rejection was improved with alginate up to 0.8%. In addition, the rejection of divalent ions was better than monovalent ions (94 +/- 0.96% for NaCl and 98 +/- 0.98% for MgCl2). The blended membranes ascertained an effective chlorine resistivity. The antibacterial activity was also promising, which enhanced with the alginate content in the membrane. The sodium alginate blended mem-brane with polyurethane proved to be an efficient approach to develop the blended membranes with tunable properties for water desalination. (c) 2021 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Automated summary

Blending polyurethane with sodium alginate to synthesize polymeric membranes showed improved performance with increased alginate content, including enhanced hydrophilicity, crosslinking density, thermal stability, salt rejection capability, and antibacterial activity.