Study of the high-energy alpha particles influence on the styrene accumulation kinetics and functional groups during the synthesis of proton-exchange membranes based on PVDF.

Abstract

The study investigates the effect of alpha irradiation on the graft copolymerization of styrene with polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF). Using methods of radiation-chemical modification, a proton exchange membrane (PEM) with a uniform distribution of functional sulfate groups throughout the entire volume was developed. Grafting of styrene was carried out at different temperatures and solution concentrations. Functional sulfo-groups were added to the graft polymer by sulfonation, with the addition of solvents. The degree of grafting (DG), water absorption (W) and exchange capacity (IEC) correlate well with the absorbed dose and alpha particle fluence. Research into this method will allow us to develop an affordable industrial technology for widespread implementation.