Preparation and characterization of ABS/HIPS heterogeneous anion exchange membrane filled with activated carbon

Abstract

AbstractAcrylonitrile‐butadiene‐styrene (ABS)/high impact polystyrene (HIPS) blend heterogeneous anion exchange membranes were prepared by phase inversion method using tetrahydrofuran as solvent and anion exchange resin powder as functional group agent. Activated carbon was selected as inorganic filler additive. The additive concentration effect on properties of the prepared membranes was studied. Ultrasonic method was used to help appropriate dispersion of particles in the membrane's matrix. Scanning optical microscopy showed that sonication has a significant influence on distribution of resin particles in the membrane matrix and makes it possible to form more uniform phase. Moreover, images showed a relatively uniform surface for membranes. The increase of activated carbon concentration in casting solution led to a decline in membrane water content. The ion exchange capacity, membrane potential, permselectivity, transport number, ion permeability, ionic flux, and current efficiency of prepared membranes all were increased initially by the increase in additive concentration up to 1% wt and then they showed decrease trend with higher increase in additive concentration from 1 to 4% wt. Conversely, the electrical resistance and energy consumption showed opposite trends. In addition, with more additive loading, the oxidative stability of membranes was slightly decreased and their thermal stability was increased. Membrane with 1% wt additive loading exhibited higher efficiency and electrochemical properties in comparison with other prepared membranes in this research. Furthermore, prepared membranes exhibited suitable electrochemical properties compared to a commercial heterogeneous anion exchange membrane with the same experimental conditions. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2010