Small-angle X-ray scattering study of porous polysulfone and poly(vinyl pyrrolidone)/polysulfone blend membranes

This paper reports a small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) investigation of s emipermeable porous membranes of polysulfone (PS) and polyvinyl pyrrolidone (PVP)/PS blends to understand differences in water flow rates through thes e membranes. The results indicate that the membranes have a mass fractal mo rphology. The porosity of the membranes, estimated from the SAXS, compares well with the porosity estimated using a gravimetric method. The difference in flow rates through the membranes is explained in terms of the estimated porosity.