Radiation Stability of Electron Beam Irradiated High Degree Sulfonated Poly(Ether Ether Ketone) Membranes for the Applications in Nuclear Facilities

Polymer Degradation and Stability 2024
E Pajuste, Ingars Reinholds, G Vaivars, Jānis Zicāns, Remo Merijs-Meri, L Avotiņa, E Sprugis, M Rzepna

Sulfonated poly(ether ether ketones) (SPEEK) have raised interest as a replacement of Nafion® proton exchange membranes (PEM) for the application in harsh environments involving material exposure to ionizing radiation, for example, radioactive hydrogen isotope separation from water. This study is dedicated to evaluate the effects of high dose (500 kGy) electron beam irradiation on the physico-chemical and thermomechanical properties of highly sulfonated (degree of sulfonation 60–90 %) SPEEK membranes irradiated in air and water. Spectrometric and thermogravimetric analysis indicated slight changes in the material properties after irradiation with increase of the degree of sulfonation (DS). Tensile tests and thermomechanical analysis of irradiated samples indicated notable deterioration of properties at higher DS values. Results demonstrate that SPEEK membranes with DS around 70 % could be a replacement of the traditional PEM for the applications where exposure to ionizing radiation occurs.

Keywords
Degree of sulfonation | Ionising radiation | Mechanical and thermomechanical properties | Poly(ether ether ketone)
DOI
10.1016/j.polymdegradstab.2023.110615
Hyperlink
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0141391023003646?via%3Dihub

Pajuste, E., Reinholds, I., Vaivars, G., Zicāns, J., Merijs-Meri, R., Avotiņa, L., Sprugis, E., Rzepna, M. Radiation Stability of Electron Beam Irradiated High Degree Sulfonated Poly(Ether Ether Ketone) Membranes for the Applications in Nuclear Facilities. Polymer Degradation and Stability, 2024, Vol. 219, Article number 110615. ISSN 0141-3910. e-ISSN 1873-2321. Pieejams: doi:10.1016/j.polymdegradstab.2023.110615

Publication language
English (en)