Poly sulfones hydrolysis, resistance

This paper has provided the reader with an introduction to a class of polymers that show great potential as reverse osmosis membrane materials — poly(aryl ethers). Resistance to degradation and hydrolysis as well as resistance to stress Induced creep make membranes of these polymers particularly attractive. It has been demonstrated that through sulfonation the hydrophilic/hydrophobic, flux/separation, and structural stability characteristics of these membranes can be altered to suit the specific application. It has been Illustrated that the nature of the counter-ion of the sulfonation plays a role in determining performance characteristics. In the preliminary studies reported here, one particular poly(aryl ether) has been studied — the sulfonated derivative of Blsphenol A - polysulfone. This polymer was selected to serve as a model for the development of experimental techniques as well as to permit the investigation of variables... 

Because of the angled structure of poly(arylene ether sulfone)s, they generally do not crystallize. They are thus amorphous and optically transparent with glass transition temperatures between 150-200 °C. They are soluble in some polar solvents, hydrolysis resistant, and inherently flame resistant. Fields of application for these materials are found particularly in the area of electronics and membrane technology. 

The chemical modification of poly(arylene ether sulfone)s has already been described in numerous papers. They relate to sulfonation, fluorination, and halomethylation. These derivatives are particularly suitable for the preparation of hydrolysis- and temperature-resistant separation membranes. They are used already for sea water desalination, and also for the separation of gas mixtures. 

Poly(arylene sulfone)s and poly(arylene ketone)s are important engineering thermoplastics, and display high Tg-values, high thermal stabilities, good mechanical properties, and an exceptional resistance to both oxidation and acid-catalyzed hydrolysis. It is only during the past decade that the sulfonated aromatic polymers have been considered to be well-suited as PEM candidates for fuel cells [61-64]. 

Poly(arylene ether sulfones) (Fig. 11.9) are well-known engineering thermoplastics characterized by excellent thermal and mechanical properties, as well as resistance to oxidation and acid catalyzed hydrolysis [25],... 

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