Composite membranes useful for the separation of organic compounds of

Abstract

Semipermeable composite membranes suitable for separating organic compounds of low moelcular weight from aqueous, inorganic salts containing solutions are provided. These membranes are obtained by coating one side of a membrane support with an aqueous solution containing dissolved therein an organic, film-forming, hydrophilic polymer, and a cross-linking agent (1) and optionally ionic monomeric compounds to form at least one polymer layer, contacting the still wet polymer layer(s) interfacially with an organic solution of a cross-linking agent (2), containing at least two functional groups, drying the resultant product for a time sufficient to form the composite membrane comprising the membrane support and an asymmetrical coacting consisting of polymer layer(s) and a thin semipermeable cross-linked film, containing ionic groups resting on the top of said layer and being integrally attached thereto. Optionally the membranes can be further stabilized by treating them with an aqueous solution containing a cross-linking agent (3) capable of reacting with the polymer and/or unreacted groups of the monomeric compound, followed by a curing step. The membranes are suitable to separate organic compounds with molecular weights of less than about 300 from aqueous salt containing solutions.