Properties of proton exchange membranes poly-ethylene terephthalate (PET) films developed by gamma radiation induced grafting and sulfonation technique
Proton exchange membranes (PEMs) were developed by radiation induced grafting of styrene onto poly ethylene terephthalate (PET) and linear low density polyethylene (LLDPE) membranes using two steps technique. Subsequent sulfonation on the PET films was conducted by chlorosulfonic acid (ClSO3H). The PET films in 45% styrene solution at 1500 krad dose has found to show the highest grafting (17.4%) in both techniques while the maximum degree of sulfonation was noticed to be 9% with a soaking time 150 minutes. Surface morphology was investigated from scanning electron microgram (SEM). Proton exchange capacity (PEC) was confirmed by pH change in 0.01 M NaCl solution. Optical and electrical characteristics of the PEMs were performed by the measurements of FTIR optical absorption, electrical impedance, and electrical resistance respectively
