This work reports the preparation and characterization of new polymeric ion
omers based on etylene-propylene-diene copolymer (EPDM) with a high norborn
ene content. The sulfonation level was determined with X-ray photoelectron
spectroscopy, and the microstructural characterization was obtained through
differential scanning calorimetry and dynamic mechanical analysis. In addi
tion, the effects of certain plasticizers and polymers on the microstructur
es and conducting properties of these materials were studied, with special
attention paid to the latter because of the interest aroused by these mater
ials as membranes in polymer fuel cells. On the basis of the results, some
of the synthesized membranes could be used for fuel cells because of their
high conductivity (greater than or equal to 10(-2) S/cm) and good dimension
al stability (any shrinkage observed). (C) 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J P
olym Sci B: Polym Phys 39: 1017-1026, 2001.