Specific features of the structural organization of composite fibrous membranes polycon and their electrotransport properties

Abstract

Peculiarities of the porous structure and hydrophilic-hydrophobic properties of composite ion-exchange membranes Polycon K based on novolac phenolformaldehyde fibers are studied by the method of standard contact porosimetry. Differences are revealed in the values of maximum porosity, internal specific surface, volume of macropores, and other structural characteristics associated with different conditions of sulfonation of fibers. The formation of pores in the fibrous phase at the diffusion of monomers during the preparation of membranes is confirmed by the data of scanning electron microscopy and differential scanning calorimetry. Correlation is found between the structural characteristics and electrotransport properties of composite membranes. It is shown that the increase in the macropore volume in the modified fibers enhances the sensitivity of specific conductivity of membranes with respect to the concentration of equilibrium solution and leads to the lower selectivity.