Synthesis, characterization and desalination study of novel PSAB and mPSAB blend membranes with Polysulfone (PSf)

The present paper describes the synthesis of poly sulphonyl amino benzamide (PSAB) and methyalated poly sulphonyl amino benzamide (mPSAB) polymer, using terephthalic add chloride and substituted 4-amino-1-benzensulphonmide in N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone. Polymers were characterized by FT-IR, NMR and GPC. Polysulfone composite membranes were prepared using these novel poymers by DIPS (Diffusion Induced Phase Seperation) method. These composite membranes are useful for water purification with special emphasis on sea water desalination. Newly prepared membranes were studied for salt rejection, water flux, molecular weight cut off by PEG solution, effect of the pH on water swelling and salt rejection and flux decline was also studied. 30 to 70% of the salt rejection was observed in all membranes. Effect of the dilution on salt rejection was studied using different concentration of NaCl solution varying from 1000 ppm to 3500 ppm. All the membranes showed 80% rejection for PEG having 1000 Da molecular weight. Contact angle and water swelling was measured to determine hydrophilicity of the membrane. Water swelling and salt rejection in different pH was also studied. (C) 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.