Porosity and diffusion permeability of polyethylene membranes modified with polypyrrole

The porosity and diffusion permeability of the PE-poly(pyrrole) composite m embranes with respect to low-molecular-mass electrolytes (hydrochloric acid , potassium chloride, and sodium hydroxide) were studied. Composite membran es with different thicknesses of the deposited poly(pyrrole) layer and poro sities were prepared by the oxidative polymerization of pyrrole in the pres ence of ferric chloride on the surface of microporous PE films. Variations in porosity, hydrophilicity, and ion-exchange properties of the above compo site membranes were shown to have a marked effect on their diffusion permea bility with respect to electrolytes. The optimal values of the content of p oly(pyrrole) and the porosity of membranes providing the maximum flow of el ectrolyte through membranes were determined.