Polymeric complex membranes for olefin/paraffin separation

Abstract

Abstract Semi‐crystalline polyethylene (PE), rubbery silicone rubber (SR) and glassy poly[(l‐trimethylsilyl)‐l‐propyne] (PTMSP) were modified for olefin/paraffin separation. The polymers were first grafted with the acrylic acid (AA) and then incorporated with silver ions for forming the complex membranes such as PE‐g‐AA‐Ag + , SR‐g‐AA‐Ag + and PTMSP‐g‐AA‐Ag + The complex membranes were activated by glycerol solvation and subsequently showed high selectivity in olefin/paraffin separation. The silver ion distribution, the kinetics of olefin binding to PE‐g‐AA‐Ag + , the gas permeation properties and the sorption behaviors were studied. A novel dry complex membrane for olefin/paraffin separation based on AgClO 4 complexing with PTMSP main‐chain was also studied.