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.