THE EFFECT OF TEMPERATURE ON RATE OF EXCHANGE OF CARBOXYLIC CATION RESINS

Temperature changes over the range of 5 to 60 degrees C do not affect the fundamental dissociation constants of carboxylic polymers. A compa rison of the rate of half-neutralization of polymers of varying struct ures shows that the methacrylic polymers are markedly slower than acry lic over the entire range of temperatures investigated. Interestingly, the half-neutralization of macroporous polymers is also slower than g el polymers of similar water retention. The rapid rate of sodium excha nge by carboxylic polymers at 60 degrees C suggests their possible use in high-temperature condensate polishing systems, particularly in BWR plants where sulfate shedding by sulfonic acid resins is a problem.