Abstract:
A cation exchange membrane containing functional groups of both the sulfonic acid and carboxylic acid radicals which allows the membranes to maintain its conductivity throughout the entire pH range. This unique property gives this high capacity pH insensitive membrane particular value in electrolytic cells as hydraulic diaphragms to separate a basic solution from an acid solution as is encountered in caustic-chlorine cells or other type cells which electrolytically decompose neutral salt solutions such as sodium sulfate into their basic and acidic components of caustic soda and sodium acid sulfate. The capacity of this membrane is much higher than the presently known sulfonic acid salt types.
Abstract:
This invention is directed to electrodialysis equipment particularly to components comprising the ion exchange membranes. These membranes are fabricated with a polymeric macroporous surface as contrasted to the prior art microporous ''''gel'''' type membranes. The macroporous membrane surface or layer lessens the tendency for membranes especially the anion selective type to foul when employed in the electrodialysis of solutions containing fouling constituents. The macroporous membranes are obtaining by polymerizing the liquid monomers in the presence of a nonpolymerizable solvent pair or diluent comprised of both a ''''good'''' and a ''''poor'''' solvent, said solvent characterized with respect to the solvents ability to swell the cross-linked polymer that is formed.