Abstract
Systematically designing the spatial arrangement is a key to understanding the structure and property relationships of proton-exchange membranes (PEM)/ionomers. Miscible polymer blends provide a cost-effective method for developing new materials in polymer science industries instead of synthesizing new polymers. In this study, commercially available Pentablock Copolymer (PBC(1.0)) ionomers were blended with poly(2,6-dimethyl-1,4-phenylene oxide) (PPO) in varying blend ratios. The FTIR studies showed composition-dependent interaction between the methyl group of PPO and phenyl rings of Polystyrene blocks in PBC(1.0). However, the sulfonate peaks at PBC(1.0): PPO (50:50) blend ratios were significantly reduced . The reduction in the peak intensity at this blend ratio may be attributed to specific interactions within this blend composition. The miscibility of the blends was confirmed by the single glass transition temperature from the DSC studies. And the application of the Fox rule to the experimental glass transition confirmed the conformational rearrangements of the blends. At the same time, applying the Kwei equation to the glass transition temperature confirmed the presence of specific interactions in the PBC(1.0): PPO (50:50) blend ratio observed in FTIR studies. The thermal stability studies demonstrated morphology dependence behavior with the rule of mixtures with the highest stability of 454oC at PBC(1.0): PPO (50:50) blend ratio. Higher stability at the PBC(1.0): PPO (50:50) blend ratio may be attributed to the specific interactions within this composition. High water uptake correlated with enhanced conductivity for the blend membranes, which strongly depended upon the PBC composition in the blend. Gas permeation studies exhibited that the blending can significantly reduce the permeability of H2 without altering its selectivity compared to pure membranes and Nafion, indicating the desired low fuel cross-over during the fuel cell operation. In conclusion, the gas transport and physical properties of the miscible blends showed strong dependence on composition. The morphological transitions that occur due to the compositional changes will be investigated in future studies.
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