Abstract: | Abstract The permeability constants of oxygen and carbon dioxide through hydrated potassium acrylate-grafted polyethylene films increase rapidly as the degree of hydration of the films increases above about 28 wt %. Below about 28 wt %, the carbon dioxide permeability constant increases with the degree of hydration. In the case of oxygen, the opposite is true. The separation factor (CO2/O2) increases rapidly with film hydration up to about 28 wt %. Above this degree of hydration, the separation factor gradually approaches the value for pure water. An explanation for the results obtained is presented. |