PARAMETRIC STUDY OF EAA POLYMER THIN-FILM DEPOSITION ON CARBON SUBSTRATES IN A FLUIDIZED ELECTRODE BED REACTOR

Electrodeposition of ethylene-co-acrylic acid (EAA) polymer, as thin films on carbon particle substrates, was carried out in a fluidized electrode bed reactor. Feeder current, time of deposition, and flow rate of anolyte (i.e., bed expansion or bed porosity) were the key parameters investigated. The film characteristics were evaluated through SEM and FTIR analyses and the amounts determined by weighing. The effect of these parameters on the electrodeposition process is discussed, and optimum conditions for deposition are proposed. Also, a possible mechanism for electrodeposition, particularly for the EAA-carbon system, is discussed.