Block copolymers with sulfonated polyether sulfone units

US6451921B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• Membrana GmbH · DE

Inventors

• Hilmar Weisse · Mechernich, DE
• Helmut Keul · Aachen, DE
• Hartwig Hocker · Eckersdorf, DE

Key dates

• Filing date: Feb 20, 2001
• Grant date: Sep 17, 2002
• Expiry date: Feb 20, 2021

Classification

• Technology area (CPC B): Performing Operations; Transporting
• CPC primary: B01D71/68
• WIPO field: Chemical engineering
• WIPO sector: Chemistry

Abstract

Block copolymers containing blocks of unsulfonated aromatic polyether sulfones and blocks of aromatic polyether sulfones sulfonated on the aromatics are characterized in that the block length of the unsulfonated aromatic polyether sulfones in each case comprises at least 10 repeating units and that the sequence of the main chain at the block transitions between two adjacent blocks of aromatic polyether sulfones is the same as it is inside these blocks. These block copolymers may be prepared by polycondensation, and are preferably used as membranes. The block copolymers provide compounds which in addition to an adjustable degree of sulfonation have a defined length of sulfonated and unsulfonated blocks. As a result, the spectrum of the polymers suitable for the preparation of synthetic membranes can be expanded and graded.