Synthesis and characterization of grafted polyethylenes for use as membranes in water desalination

Polyethylene, although known to have very poor permeability behaviour towards electrolyte solution, functionalization through grafting is found to improve upon this property. Grafting of vinyl monomers containing polar pendant groups such as - CN of pyridine, - CN of methacrylonitrile, -COOR of es...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Desalination 1997-08, Vol.110 (1), p.129-141
Main Authors: Kaur, Inderjeet, Chauhan, Ghanshyam S., Misra, B.N., Gupta, Anupam
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Applied sciences
Drinking water and swimming-pool water. Desalination
Exact sciences and technology
Exchange resins and membranes
Forms of application and semi-finished materials
Grafting
Marine
Membranes
Permeability
Pollution
Polyethylene
Polymer industry, paints, wood
Radiochemical
Technology of polymers
Water treatment and pollution
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Summary:Polyethylene, although known to have very poor permeability behaviour towards electrolyte solution, functionalization through grafting is found to improve upon this property. Grafting of vinyl monomers containing polar pendant groups such as - CN of pyridine, - CN of methacrylonitrile, -COOR of esters of acrylic acid, can impart desirable properties to the hydrophobic backbone. In the present work, grafting of 4-vinyl pyridine (4-VP) and a binary mixture of 4-VP and methacrylonitrile (4-VP + MAN) onto PE film has been carried out by radiochemical method. Optimum conditions for affording maximum percentage of grafting have been evaluated. The grafted polyethylene membranes have been characterized by IR spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, swelling behaviour, percent area change and permeability behaviour. Thermal stability of the grafted PE film was found to decrease upon grafting. However, at higher temperature ranges corresponding to the weight loss above 80%, thermal stability of PE film and PE grafted with mixed monomer becomes almost equal. Percent area change upon grafting and percent swelling in different solvents were found to increase in grafted films. The grafted membranes showed significant permeability towards electrolyte solution and were capable of effecting desalination of brine solution.
ISSN:0011-9164
1873-4464
DOI:10.1016/S0011-9164(97)00092-1