Process for forming a porous polyfluoroalkylene sheet useful for separating anolyte from catholyte in electrolytic cells

摘要

A porous polyfluoroalkylene sheet, very preferably of polytetrafluoroethylene, which is suitable for use as a separator in an electrolytic cell, such as one used for the electrolysis of brine, has a porosity in the range of 70 to 90%, a thickness in the range of 0.2 to 3.5 mm. and at least one of (a) an A X-ray ratio in the range of 0.1 to 0.35 and (b) a B X-ray ratio in the range of 0.75 to 0.98. Preferably the A X-ray ratio is in the range of 0.1 to 0.3, the B2 X-ray ratio is in the range of 0.75 to 0.98 and the B1 X-ray ratio is in the range of 0.1 to 0.32. The porous sheets are incorporated in separators or diaphragms for electrolytic cells and the uses of such separators and cells in electrolysis processes, preferably in the electrolysis of brine, are described. Also shown in the specification are a method for the manufacture of the porous sheets and a method for ascertaining which milled, sintered and leached porous sheets are more suitable for use in electrolytic processes.