Impact of reinforcing fabric thread count on cation exchange membrane properties

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to examine the impact of thread count in polyester reinforcing fabric on heterogeneous cation exchange membrane mechanical properties and electrochemical performance. Design/methodology/approach Seven polyester fabrics differing in thread count were used for membrane manufacture and mechanical properties such as ultimate force or ultimate strain of all fabrics and membranes were determined. Electrochemical and physical properties of produced membranes were evaluated as well. Findings It was found that with increasing weft density ultimate force became greater in the case of fabric and membrane as well. The impact of weft density on ultimate strain was not confirmed but changes in swelling ability mainly in width direction were observed. The assumption of worse electrochemical properties of membranes reinforced by fabric with lower open area was also validated and these membranes exhibited higher areal resistance. Originality/value Gained information is a useful tool in design process of new ion exchange membrane types with improved mechanical and swelling properties.