Utilizing an interfacial polymerization technique for the preparation of a polymeric composite nanofiltration membrane, both high permeation flux of water and high salt rejection can be achieved. Synthesis conditions, such as concentration of monomer, reaction time, and swelling agent, significantly affected the separation performance of composite membranes. The composite polyamide membrane had a permeation rate of similar to2-5 gallon/ft(2)/day (gfd) and a salt rejection rate of similar to 94-99% when 2000 ppm aqueous salt solution was fed at 200 psi and 25 degreesC. Also, a higher performance nanofiltration membrane could be prepared by suitably swelling the support matrix in the period of polymerization. The results of various feed concentrations showed that permeate flux decreased with increasing salt concentration in the feed solution. This result may be due to concentration polarization on the surface of polyamide membranes. The separation performance of polyamide membranes showed an almost independent relationship with operation pressure until it was up to 200 psi.