Preparation of ion-exchange membranes using pullulan as polymer matrix

The purpose of the present work is to apply the semi-Interpenetrating Polymer Network technique to the preparation of tailor-made membranes from pullulan/polyelectrolyte blends. Two types of polyelectrolyte (Pe) containing sulfonate (PSSNa) or carboxylic groups (PAA) were chosen. The 60/40 pullulan/Pe mass ratio was selected to prepare a homogenous film with suitable mechanical properties. Isocyanate and glutaraldehyde were tested as crosslinking agents to form the pullulan network in which the Pe is entrapped. The efficiency of the entrapment was monitored by swelling and ion-exchange measurements. The most efficient crosslinker was glutaraldehyde. Ion-diffusion experiments were performed on the pullulan/PAA membranes that had the most interesting properties.