Interpolymer anion exchange membranes, I. Properties of weak base membranes based on polyethylene modified by styrene and divinylbenzene in the presence of diluents

Weak base anion exchange membranes with diethylamine groups have been prepared on the basis of low‐density polyethylene modified by styrene and divinylbenzene in the presence of iso‐octane or toluene as inert diluents. The effect of the kind and amount of the inert diluent used during interpolymerization on properties of thus obtained membranes has been studied. The membranes were found to have similar anion exchange capacity, but their diffusion propeties toward strong mineral acids have been found to depend on the inhomogeneity of styrene‐divinylbenzene copolymer gel as well as the mode of its distribution in the amorphous phase of polyethylene.