Preparation and Characterization of Radiation Grafted Proton Exchange Membranes of LLDPE

Abstract

As the demand for radiation grafted Proton Exchange Membranes (PEMs) is intensifying, interest in new materials for preparing PEM is rapidly increasing. This study aims to develop sustainable low-cost highly conductive PEM. In our work we have prepared linear low density polyethylene (LLDPE) based PEM and investigated the membrane characteristics. Simultaneous radiation grafting technique has been applied to introduce the styrene monomer onto the LLDPE films by UV radiation under atmospheric circumstances. It has been observed that grafting yield gradually changes depending on the irradiation time and monomer molar ratio. We have performed experiments to assess certain membrane properties, such as water uptake, ion exchange capacity with respect to their applicability in fuel cells. Our experimental results demonstrate the effectiveness of LLDPE based PEM as a cation exchange membrane.