GAS-TRANSPORT THROUGH ETHYLENE-ACRYLIC ACID IONOMERS

Transport properties of several gases in two ethylene-acrylic acid ion omers characterized by a different amount of acrylic acid groups and p ercentage of neutralization have been investigated. Sorption and perme ation experiments have been performed with N-2, O-2, CO2, CH4, C2H6 an d SF6 in the 25-65 degrees C range and with C3H8 only at 25 degrees C. Gas permeabilities, diffusivities, and solubilities were evaluated al ong with activation energies and heats of solution. Data obtained in t he present investigation were compared to analogous results reported i n literature for polyethylene to better highlight the effect of ionic aggregates on the gas transport mechanism. (C) 1995 John Wiley and Son s, Inc.