Cation-exchange membrane modified by inorganic short fibres

AbstractIon-exchange membranes have been used in separation processes, for example, electrodialysis, electrodeionisation and electrophoresis. Preparation of a new type of heterogeneous ion-exchange membrane with improved mechanical properties is described in the paper. Heterogeneous cation-exchange membranes reinforced by short carbon fibres (1 mm) were prepared with different amount of the fibres and ion-exchange resin. Fibres and ion-exchange resin were compounded with polyethylene matrix in two steps. Membrane foil was formed by extrusion. Electrochemical properties of the membranes like electric resistance, permselectivity and counterion-transfer number were measured. Microstructure and morphology of the membranes were assessed by light microscopy. Properties of reinforced membranes were compared with unreinforced membrane in all cases. Results clearly show that electrochemical properties depend on amount of the ion-exchange resins and are not negatively affected by presence of carbon fibres. Light mi...