Development of a Semi-Biodegradable Substrate for Thin Film Composite Membrane

In this paper, polysulfone (PSf) was blended with biodegradable polymer of poly (butylene succinate) (PBS) to prepare a novel semi-biodegradable substrate for thin film composite membrane. The impact of blend ratio and casting procedure (single casting and co-casting) was examined on membrane characteristics including membrane morphology, biodegradation and also desalination efficiency. Results demonstrated that the water permeation through the as-prepared membranes was reached to minimum and maximum levels at blend ratio of 50/50 and pure conditions, respectively. The desalination performance (particularly permeate flux) of TFC semi-biodegradable membrane was improved by applying co-casting method for substrate preparation.

Keywords:

Biodegradable substrate , Blending ratio , Casting procedure , Thin film composite membrane , Desalination performance