Abstract: The embodiments of the present disclosure present systems and methods for the reversible solubilization of (aryl ether ketones) (PAEKs). A thioacetalization process is employed to modify the PAEKs into poly (aryl ether thioacetals) which, unlike PAEKs, are substantially soluble in common solvents. This modification allowing selected analysis techniques to be more easily performed on PAEKs, such as gel permeation chromatography. The thioacetalization may be reversed through a deprotection reaction to recover the original PAEK without substantial degradation, allowing for non-destructive characterization of the PAEK. Advantageously, the thioacetalization process is generally applicable to a broad range of PAEKs, unlike presently known methods of solubilizing PAEKs. Solubilization of PAEKs further expands the utility of the PAEKs, opening up additional routes to chemical modification of PAEKs, as well as allowing for the possibility of processing PAEKs from solution.

Abstract: The embodiments of the present disclosure present systems and methods for the reversible solubilization of (aryl ether ketones) (PAEKs). A thioacetalization process is employed to modify the PAEKs into poly (aryl ether thioacetals) which, unlike PAEKs, are substantially soluble in common solvents. This modification allowing selected analysis techniques to be more easily performed on PAEKs, such as gel permeation chromatography. The thioacetalization may be reversed through a deprotection reaction to recover the original PAEK without substantial degradation, allowing for non-destructive characterization of the PAEK. Advantageously, the thioacetalization process is generally applicable to a broad range of PAEKs, unlike presently known methods of solubilizing PAEKs. Solubilization of PAEKs further expands the utility of the PAEKs, opening up additional routes to chemical modification of PAEKs, as well as allowing for the possibility of processing PAEKs from solution.

Abstract: A method of forming a polymer matrix composite using a soluble derivative of a poly (aryl ether ketone) (PAEK). The method includes mixing a starting PAEK polymer with a solvent and an acid, said solvent being selected from a group consisting of diethylether, tetrahydrofuran (THF), dioxin, and chlorinated solvents; reacting the PAEK mixture with a Lewis acid and a thiol compound in amounts effective to form a poly (aryl ether thioacetal) compound which comprises at least one thioacetal group; and impregnating a plurality of fibers in a solution comprising said poly (aryl ether thioacetal) compound.

Abstract: A method of forming a polymer matrix composite using a soluble derivative of a poly (aryl ether ketone) (PAEK). The method includes mixing a starting PAEK polymer with a solvent and an acid, said solvent being selected from a group consisting of diethylether, tetrahydrofuran (THF), dioxin, and chlorinated solvents; reacting the PAEK mixture with a Lewis acid and a thiol compound in amounts effective to form a poly (aryl ether thioacetal) compound which comprises at least one thioacetal group; and impregnating a plurality of fibers in a solution comprising said poly (aryl ether thioacetal) compound.

Abstract: The embodiments of the present disclosure present systems and methods for the reversible solubilization of (aryl ether ketones) (PAEKs). A thioacetalization process is employed to modify the PAEKs into poly (aryl ether thioacetals) which, unlike PAEKs, are substantially soluble in common solvents. This modification allowing selected analysis techniques to be more easily performed on PAEKs1 such as gel permeation chromatography. The thioacetalization may be reversed through a deprotection reaction to recover the original PAEK without substantial degradation, allowing for non-destructive characterization of the PAEK. Advantageously, the thioacetalization process is generally applicable to a broad range of PAEKs, unlike presently known methods of solubilizing PAEKs. Solubilization of PAEKs further expands the utility of the PAEKs, opening up additional routes to chemical modification of PAEKs, as well as allowing for the possibility of processing PAEKs from solution.

Abstract: An ion-conducting polymer wherein at least 80% of the repeat units comprise an ion-conducting region and a spacer region is disclosed. The ion-conducting region has an aromatic backbone of one or more aromatic groups, wherein at least one ion-conducting functional group is attached to each aromatic group. The spacer region has an aromatic backbone of at least four aromatic groups, wherein no ion-conducting functional groups are attached to the aromatic backbone. The polymer is suitable for use as a fuel cell membrane, and can be incorporated into membrane electrode assemblies.

Abstract: An ion-conducting membrane comprising a polymer component and a macrocyclic compound, wherein the macro-cyclic compound is functionalised with one or more ion-conducting groups is disclosed. The membrane is suitable for use in a fuel cell.

Abstract: A polymer characterised by the presence of ylid linkages in the main polymer chain of formula (A) where the dashed line represents the remainder of a ring system for which the N+ provides a heteroatom, and E is a strongly electron withdrawing group. Preferred polymers in accordance with the invention are characterised by the presence of linkages in the polymer main chain of formula (I). The polymers of the invention may be fabricated as membranes for use in various separation processes, e.g. ultrafiltration, nanofiltration, and reverse osmosis.

Abstract: Process for reducing the level of unsaturation in a polyether polyol having an oxypropylene content of at least 30% by weight calculated on the total amount of oxyalkylene units in the polyol and having a number average equivalent weight of at least 1000 by subjecting the polyol to ultrafiltration.

Abstract: A reverse osmosis membrane having a support which itself has properties of salt rejection laminated to a layer of a cross-linked polyol. The support is a sulphonated aromatic polyether sulphone, and the polyol ma be polyvinyl alcohol.

Abstract: An aromatic polyethersulphone incorporating sub-unit (1) where A is an electron withdrawing group, the designation "o,p" represents that the bond is at the ortho or para position to the A group, and X is selected from: OH; --O M where M is an organic or inorganic cation (other than hydrogen) and n is at least 1; --NR1R2 where R1 and R2 are the same or different and are selected from hydrogen and alkyl, aryl, aminoalkylene or ammonoalkylene groups; and --OR3 where R3 is an alkyl or aryl group; either as the only sub-units of the polymer or in combination with comonomer units.