Process for preparing graft copolymers and membranes formed therefrom
AssigneeBallard Power Systems Inc.
InventorSean M. MacKinnon
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Abstract
A process for preparing a graft copolymers is provided comprising exposing a polymeric base material to a dose of ionizing radiation, and then contacting the irradiated base material with a microemulsion comprising at least one fluorostyrenic monomer, water and water-miscible solvent. The graft copolymer may be formed into a membrane, including ion exchange membranes.
Claims45
A process for preparing a graft copolymer, the process comprising:
- exposing a polymeric base material to a dose of ionizing radiation;
- and
- contacting the irradiated base material with a microemulsion, the microemulsion comprising
- at least one fluorostyrenic monomer, wherein the amount of monomer in the microemulsion is less than or equal to 30% by weight,
- water, and
- a solvent that is at least partially miscible in water.
The process of 38 wherein the membrane is sulfonated by swelling the membrane in a halogenated solvent and exposing it to sulfur trioxide vapor.
A process for preparing a graft copolymer, the process comprising:
- exposing a polymeric base material to a dose of ionizing radiation;
- and
- contacting the irradiated base material with a microemulsion, the microemulsion comprising
- at least one fluorostyrenic monomer,
- a first liquid phase in which the monomer is not soluble, and
- a second liquid phase that is at least partially miscible in the first liquid phase and dissolves or is miscible with the monomer,
- wherein the first and second liquid phases are substantially unreactive towards graft polymerization under process conditions.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.