Preparation and properties of weak acid ion-exchange membranes based on poly(vinylchloride)poly(methylmethacrylate-co-divinylbenzene) system

Weak acid ion-exchange membranes were obtained on the basis of PVC/poly(MMA-co-DVB) interpolymer-type systems. Carboxylic groups were introduced by acid hydrolysis of ester groups in poly(MMA-co-DVB) copolymer. It was found that suitable conditions for preparation of carboxylic membranes were: temperature of 353 K, 3 h reaction time, and acetic acid used. The best ion-exchange and electrochemical properties had membrane prepared from hydrolyzed PVC/poly(MMA-co-DVB) system with 5 wt % DVB. (C) 1996 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.