Heterogeneous ion exchange membranes based on thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU): effect of PSS/DVB resin on morphology and electrodialysis.

In this research, novel heterogeneous cation exchange membranes based on thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) have been prepared by the solution casting technique. The effects of incorporation level of sulfonated polystyrene divinyl-benzene (PSS/DVB) resin on water uptake, ion exchange capacity, membrane potential and salt extraction have been elucidated. Morphological and water uptake studies suggested a two-phase heterogeneous membrane morphology owing to the presence of hard and soft segments in the TPU backbone and swelling of PSS/DVB particles.