Separator membranes for electrochemical cells
AssigneeRAI Research Corporation
InventorsVincent F. D'Agostino, Joseph Y. Lee, Joseph C. Sentisi
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
This disclosure is directed to polymer membranes to be used in electrochemical cells and improved processes for producing the same. The membranes are produced by radiation grafting techniques. The improved process includes the grafting of a hydrophilic monomer, such as methacrylic acid in a chlorinated organic solvent onto an inert base film such as polyethylene. The process also includes but is not limited to the use of inhibitors to limit homopolymerization of a grafting material, as well as emulsifying agents to lower the electrolytic resistance of the finished membrane.
Claims25
An improved process for the preparation of a membrane suitable for use in electrochemical cells comprising:
- (a) forming a grafting solution comprising a hydrophilic monomer, and a chlorinated organic solvent;
- (b) placing said solution in contact with an inert polymeric film;
- (c) irradiating said contacted film to graft polymerize said hydrophilic monomer onto the film, while inhibiting homopolymerization of said graft monomer;
- and
- (d) contacting said irradiation grafted film with an emulsifier to reduce the electrolytic resistance of said membrane.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.