Characterization of Thin Film Composite (TFC) and Dense Membranes Based On Disulfonated Random Poly (arylene ether sulfone) Copolymers for Water Purification

Thin film composite and dense membranes were produced by casting a blend of BPS-20 (20% disulfonated poly(arylene ether sulfone)) or BPS-32 (32% disulfonated poly(arylene ether sulfone)) and varying molecular weights of poly(ethylene glycol) oligomer onto porous Udel polysulfone foam. An additional series of dense membrane and TFCs was produced from 35% disulfonated bisphenol A based copolymers. The thin skin thickness was evaluated using field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM) and the surface roughness was evaluated using tapping mode atomic force microscopy (AFM). The water flux and salt rejection values of the series were evaluated and compared with those of dense film membranes, as well as the skin thickness and roughness data. The addition of poly(ethylene glycol) in controlled compositions provided an increase in salt rejection.