PERMEATION OF NITROGEN AND WATER-VAPOR THROUGH SULFONATED POLYETHERETHERSULFONE MEMBRANE

The novel polyetherethersulfone (PES-C) prepared from phenol-phthalein in our institute is an amorphous, rigid, tough material with good mec hanical properties over a wide temperature range. To improve its water vapor permeability for the application of gas drying, the PES-C was s ulfonated with concentrated sulfuric acid and transferred in sodium, c upric, and ferric salt forms. The sulfonation degree can be regulated by controlling the temperature and reaction time. Characterization of sulfonated PES-C in sodium form was made by IR. Some properties of the sulfonated PES-C, such as solubility, glass transition temperature, t hermal stability, mechanical properties, and transport properties to n itrogen and water vapor have also been discussed. (C) 1997 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.