Catalytic poly(vinyl alcohol) functionalized membranes obtained by gamma irradiation

► Polymeric catalytic membranes bearing sulfonic acid functions as catalysts. ► Catalysts for esterification reaction between acetic acid and isoamyl alcohol. ► Better catalytic results with increase in sulfonic acid functions. ► Increase of radiation dose leads to a decrease of membranes' catalytic activity. ► Increase of membranes' hydrophobicity leads to a decrease in catalytic activity.