Preparation and characterization of PPSU/PEI blend membranes

Polyetherimide (PEI) ultrafiltration membranes were surface modified using crystalline PPSU polymer additive through thermal-induced phase inversion method. The pure and blend membranes were characterized in terms of differential scanning calorimetry, morphology and pure water flux. The effects of polymer concentration and blending ratio on membrane structure and properties were investigated. The results indicated that the blending PEI with PPSU in the casting solution led to a decrease in crystallinity and an increase in surface and internal pore size and porosity of the membranes, which in return increased the pure water flux of the blend membranes.