PROPERTIES OF CATION-EXCHANGE MEMBRANES PREPARED BY RADIATION GRAFTING OF ACRYLIC-ACID ONTO TETRAFLUOROETHYLENE ETHYLENE COPOLYMERS

Some properties of the ion-exchange membranes prepared by simultaneous and preirradiation techniques of grafting of acrylic acid onto tetrafluoroethylene-ethylene copolymer films, including porous microfilters, have been studied. The water content, electric resistance, transport number, distribution of grafting, thermal and chemical stability, and mechanical characteristics of the membranes were determined as a function of the grafting degree. Graft polymerization proceeds from both surfaces of the polymer film into the polymeric matrix depth. Cation-exchange membranes prepared possess good electrochemical and mechanical properties, high thermal and chemical stability at grafting degrees from 30 to 50%, and can be successfully used in electrodialysis processes.