Preparation and characterization of ion exchange membranes based on polyaniline and thermoplastic polyurethane blends

Authors

  • Muhammad Aamir Shehzad Department of Polymer and Process Engineering, University of Engineering and Technology, Lahore, Pakistan
  • Asif Ali Qaiser Department of Polymer and Process Engineering, University of Engineering and Technology, Lahore, Pakistan

Keywords:

Polyaniline, thermoplastic polyurethane, ion exchange membranes, 4-probe electrical conductivity, FTIR

Abstract

This research work discusses the synthesis and characterization of cation-exchange membranes comprising thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) and polyaniline (PAni) doped with camphor sulphonic acid (CSA). Polyaniline was synthesized by solution-phase polymerization technique and in these blend membranes PAni content varied between 10-40 % of PAni. The chemical structure of these composite membranes were studies using Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy whereas mechanical and electrical properties were measured using Universal testing machine and 4-probe electrical conductivity measurement set up, respectively. Cation exchangeability was determined by measuring ion-exchange capacity of these membranes. The FTIR spectra showed successful incorporation of PAni in the blend where infrared characteristic peaks increased by increasing PAni content. Ion-exchange capacity and electrical conductivity increased by increasing PAni content in the membranes whereas the mechanical properties showed a significant decrease confirming that PAni was incorporated as non-reinforcing filler in these blends.

Author Biographies

  • Muhammad Aamir Shehzad, Department of Polymer and Process Engineering, University of Engineering and Technology, Lahore, Pakistan
    Lecturer, Department of Polymer and Process Engineering, University of Engineering and Technology, Lahore-Pakistan
  • Asif Ali Qaiser, Department of Polymer and Process Engineering, University of Engineering and Technology, Lahore, Pakistan
    Associate Professor (Chairman): Department of Polymer and Process Engineering, University of Engineering and Technology, Lahore, Pakistan

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Published

2014-07-22

How to Cite

Preparation and characterization of ion exchange membranes based on polyaniline and thermoplastic polyurethane blends. (2014). Journal of the Pakistan Institute of Chemical Engineers, 42(1), 63-69. https://www.piche.org.pk/journal/index.php/jpiche/article/view/162