Hamdani Saidi and Habibu Uthman (2014), Preparation of crosslinked proton exchange membranes by radiation induced grafting of 1–vinylimidazole and diisopropenyl benzene/triallyl cyanurate onto preirradiated ETFE films, Proceedings of the 3rd Conference on Emerging Energy & Process Technology, 3rd CONCEPT 2014, PNB Ilham Resort Port Dickson, Negeri Sembilan, Malaysia, December 17–18

Abstract

Novel crosslinked radiation grafted ETFE based membrane has been obtained by RIG using DIPB and TAC crosslinkers. The investigated membranes were based on 125 μm thick ETFE films grafted with 1-VIm/DIPB and 1-VIm/TAC. Grafted films and proton exchange membranes with varying DIPB and TAC concentrations and different DG(%) were prepared. To provide evidence of grafting, to determine the composition of the 1-VIm/DIPB and 1-VIm/TAC in the bulk and in the near surface region and to determine DL, FTIR analysis were performed on the grafted ETFE films, PA doped ETFE films and compared with the original ETFE films. FTIR analysis revealed homogenous crosslinker distribution in the surface and bulk of the grafted films. Parameters for achieving the DL (5.0 mmol repeat polymer unit–1 were: DG(%) of 35%, PA concentration of 60%, doping temperature of 100oC and reaction time of 7 days. Furthermore, the effect of co-grafting 1-VIm with crosslinkers (DIPB and TAC) on the DG(%) and DL were studied.