Description
Topda PFSA membranes perform as a solid polymer electrolyte in fuel cells and other applications in electrochemistry and separation technology for a variety of electrochemical process and devices including chlor-alkali cells.The membranes are located between the cathode and anode and transports protons formed near the catalyst at the hydrogen electrode to the oxygen electrode thereby allowing the current to be drawn from the cell.
TPD-M20C membranes are reinforced membranes based on chemically stable perfluorosulfonic acid (PFSA) copolymer. Incorporation of the porous reinforcement such as PTFE improves the mechanical property of the composite membrane and allows the membrane to restrict its swelling. The membranes show significant improvements in features such as better resistance to chemical attack and longer operating durability in fuel cells.
The membrane is typically positioned on a coversheet. This composite membrane is wound on a plastic core, with the coversheet on the core-side, as shown in Figure 1. A 15.24cm ID plastic roll core is standard.
Figure 1. TPD-M20C membrane Roll Schematic Diagram
The membrane combined with the coversheet eliminates rapid changes in the membrane’s water content, and stabilizes the dimensions of the membrane when removed from the roll.
Properties
Thickness and Basis Weight Properties
| Membrane Type | Thickness(microns) | Weight(g/cm3) |
| TPD-M20C-10 | 10 | 20 |
| TPD-M20C-15 | 15 | 30 |
| TPD-M20C-25 | 25 | 50 |
Physical Properties
| Physical Properties meastured at 50% RH, 23°C | TPD-M20C-15 | TPD-M20C-25 | Test Method | ||
| MD | TD | MD | TD | ||
| Tensile Strength, max., MPa | 22 | 29 | 25 | 32 | GB/T 20042.3-2009 |
| Tensile Modulus, MPa | 25 | 28 | 30 | 32 | GB/T 20042.3-2009 |
| Elongation at Break, % | 150 | 180 | 220 | 230 | GB/T 20042.3-2009 |
Other Properties
| Properties | TPD-M20C-15 | TPD-M20C-25 | Test Method |
| Conductivity(at 100% RH, 23°C), S/cm | 0.085 | 0.085 | GB/T 20042.3-2009 |
| Hydrogen Crossover, (ml/min·cm2) | ＜0.010 | ＜0.010 | GB/T 20042.3-2009 |
Hydrolytic Properties
| Properties | TPD-M20C-15 | TPD-M20C-25 | Test Method |
| Water Content, % water (50% RH, 23°C) | 8.0±3.0% | 8.0±3.0% | GB/T 20042.3-2009 |
| Water Uptake, % water (50% RH, 100°C,1h) | 15.0±5.0% | 15.0±5.0% | GB/T 20042.3-2009 |
| Linear expansion, % increase | |||
| from 50% RH, 23°C to water soaked, 23°C | 2%(MD),5%(TD) | 2%(MD),10%(TD) | GB/T 20042.3-2009 |
| from 50% RH, 23°C to water soaked, 100°C | 3%(MD),10%(TD) | 3%(MD),13%(TD) | GB/T 20042.3-2009 |
Separating the Membrane from the Coversheet
Remove the plastic tape from the roll, as shown in the diagram.Adhesive tape applied to front side in the center of the roll.
The membrane shall be easily peeled off from the coversheet during this step. The coversheet is 125 micron polyester film.
Themembrane shall be wound on the inside of the roll such that it is protected from contamination and physical damage during handling,storage,and shipping.
Product Labeling
A self-adhesive product label is placed on the inside of the roll core and on the outside over-wrap of each roll. The label contain the following information: Membrane Type, Supplier Lot Number, Quantity.
Order and Packaging Information
The standard product specifications for membrane pieces include:
- Width: 0.20m (max.)
- Length:0.20m (min)–5.0m(max.)
The membrane for cut pieces will depend on the size and quantity of the customer’s order requirements. All the flatted membranes are shipped on a roll. Flat membranes are directly wound into a small roll. The membranes are protected with a polyethylene wrap and inner packaging, then placed in shipping hard cartons.
The standard product specifications for membrane rolls include:
- Width: 200mm and 600mm standard widths; other widths are available from 200mm to 400mm in 100mm increments on special order.
- Length: 100-meter standard roll length, other non-standard lengths are feasible to meet orders of the customer.
There is a 50m2 minimum order requirement for non standard roll widths and lengths. Membrane pieces or rolls can be cut to non standard sizes, and special packaging provided at additional cost. Please contact our sales staff for details and availability.
Membrane dimensions are based on dry product conditioned at 23°C and 50% relative humidity(RH) before cutting. The moisture content of the membranes will have an influence on their size changes including in the length, width, and thickness directions. Once the coversheet is removed, the membrane will adjust to the environment conditions. The membrane typically adheres to the coversheet, to the extent that it reduces the dimensions.
Recommended Storage Conditions
Prior to opening the original shipping box, the membrane does not require environmentally controlled storage. Membrane should be kept sealed in its original packaging until needed. After opening the package, store the material in a temperature and humidity controlled environment(temperature 25.0±5.0°C and humidity 45±5.0%RH). Acclimatize the membrane to the manufacturing environment for at least 48 hours prior to use.
Once opened and exposed to the environment, the membrane will equilibrate to the ambient relative humidity, and change in dimensions accordingly.
Scrap Disposal
Preferred disposal options are recycling and landfill. Incinerate only if incinerator is capable of scrubbing out hydrogen fluoride and other acidic combustion products. Treatment, storage, transportation, and disposal must be in accordance with applicable national laws and regulations.
The process of recycling waste Fluoropolymer Resins is extremely complicated as there are many parts to be recycled and many hazardous materials to remove. Therefore, we recommend that it is more appropriate for customers to hand over the waste membrane to us for recycling.
