Synthesis and physiochemical performances of PVC-sodium polyacrylate and PVC-sodium polyacrylate-graphite composite polymer membrane

Three types (type-A, B, and C) of composite polymeric membranes (CPMs) based on poly vinyl chloride (PVC) and different fillers (sodium polyacrylate and sodium polyacrylate-graphite) soaked in water and 0.5 N HC1 were prepared using solvent casting method. Different physicochemical parameters such as microscopic surface study, water uptake, perpendicular swelling, density, porosity (epsilon), ion exchange capacity, and conductivity of the as the prepared CPMs were evaluated. Interestingly, type-A CPM cast with filler-A has greater values of the above parameters except density and ionic conductivity than those of type-B and C CPMs. The water uptake of type-A, B and C composite membranes was respectively in the range of 220.42-534.70, 59.64-41.65, and 15.94-2.62%. Ion exchange capacity of type-A, B and C CPMs was in the range of 3.669 x 10(7)-2.156 x 10(7), 5.948 x 10(7)-1.258 x 10(7), and 1.454 x 10(7)-1.201 x 10(7) m.eq.g(-1) respectively while the conductivity order was type-A < B < C. These types of CPMs may be helpful in many applications including proton exchange membranes, fuel cell like devices, as sensors for different metals, gas purification, water treatment, and battery separators.

Automated summary

Three types of composite polymeric membranes were prepared using different fillers soaked in water and 0.5 N HC1 based on poly vinyl chloride. Type-A membrane with filler-A showed better performance in various parameters compared to type-B and C membranes. These CPMs have potential applications in proton exchange membranes, fuel cell devices, gas purification, and water treatment.