Ion-exchange membranes reinforced with non-woven carbon fibers
AssigneeIonics, Incorporated
InventorsRussell B. Hodgdon, Warren A. Waite
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Abstract
This invention is directed to electrodialysis, electrochemical membrane cells and particularly to components comprising the ion-exchange membranes. These membranes are fabricated containing a reinforcing structure comprised of non-woven carbon fibers derived for example from carbonized polyacrylonitrile. The membranes so produced have a low D.C. electrical resistance (increased conductivity) which enables electrodialysis to be performed more economically.
Claims5
An electrically conductive, cross-linked substantially hydraulically impermeable, polymeric ion-exchange selective resin membrane having embedded therein a reinforcing matrix or backing of a fabric structure;
- the improvement comprising a fabric consisting of non-woven, carbonized polyacrylonitrile fibers.
The method of producing a reinforced highly conductive ion-exchange selective membrane comprising the steps of providing a reinforcing structure consisting of a non-woven, carbonized polyacrylonitrile fibrous fabric material, impregnating said fabric with an ion-exchange polymerizable resin liquid mix, and thereafter curing said liquid mix to produce a solid polymerized, low resistance, substantially hydraulically impermeable, ion-exchange selective membrane.
An electrochemical cell apparatus for transferring ions from one solution to another solution comprising liquid containing chambers separated by ion-permeable membranes and having terminal electrodes for passing a direct current transversely through said chambers and membranes, the improvement wherein at least some of said membranes have imbedded therein a reinforcing fabric of non-woven, carbonized polyacrylonitrile fibers.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.