Proton Exchange Membranes by Radiation-Induced Graft Copolymerization of Monomers into Teflon-FEP Films

Abstract

A state-of-the-art in radiation-induced graft copolymerization of styrene and acrylic acid monomers into Teflon-FEP films is presented with a view to develop proton exchange membranes for various applications. This process offers an easy control over the composition of a membrane by careful variation in radiation dose, dose rate, monomer concentration, and temperature of the grafting reaction. By varying the nature and the amount of the grafted content, it is possible to achieve a membrane with desired physico-chemical properties. In this paper, a correlation among the degree of grafting, structural changes, and properties of graft copolymer membranes is discussed.