Síntesis de Membranas de Intercambio Protónico a Partir de Mezcla de Poliéster Insaturado y Látex Natural, para su uso en Celdas de Combustible

Abstract

Proton exchange membranes were synthesized from the blend of unsaturated polyester and natural rubber. This mixture was subjected to processes of sulfonation, dynamic vulcanization and addition of inorganic load (titanium dioxide) and physicochemical and mechanical properties of the prepared membranes were evaluated. It was found that the vulcanized and 5% loaded membrane exhibits the highest ion exchange capacity (0.24 meq/g), due to the fact that the content of titanium dioxide is at the appropriate level of inorganic material saturation. Also, the proximity of the carboxylic functionalities, due to the vulcanization process, contributes to the continuous proton flux. Additionally, this type of membrane presented a water uptake of 14.9% and adequate mechanical strength, so it is considered that these membranes have high potential for fuel cell applications.