Thin film composite membranes were prepared by coating porous polysulfone membranes with a polyvinyl alcohol layer and further cross-linking its surface. The thin layer of cross-linked polyvinyl alcohol served as a selective membrane. The membranes were prepared under various conditions and tested for sodium chloride separation. A high sodium chloride separation was achieved but the permeation rate was low compared with commercially available thin film composite membranes. Resistance against the flow of solvent water and sodium chloride solute were determined for individual component barrier layers.