Absorbent for metal ions and dyestuffs based on modified polyethylene‐coated‐polypropylene non‐woven fabric

Abstract

AbstractA modified polyethylene coated polypropylene (PE‐coated‐PP) non‐woven fabric was prepared by surface coating with a constant layer of thickness (25 μm) of a mixture of an aqueous solution of carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) and different concentrations of acrylic acid (AAc). Radiation curing of the coated layer was accomplished by electron beam irradiation with a constant dose of 30 kGy. The value of coating percent was calculated in terms of difference in weight. Properties related to hydrophilicty, such as swelling and water uptake %, were investigated by difference in weight of dry and wet samples after several washing cycles. Weight loss, before and after several washing cycles, was monitored. The effect of AAc concentration on the weight loss % of the modified fabric was studied. Moreover, the swelling in different solvents, dilute acid and base, was investigated. The structure of the modified fabric was characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and scanning electron microscope in order to examine the compatibility between the coated layer and fabric. Mechanical properties in terms of tensile strength and elongation at break were studied. The efficiency of the uptake of this modified fabric toward basic, reactive dyes, and metal ions such as Cu2+, Ni2+, and Co2+ was measured by UV spectrophotometer and energy dispersive X‐ray. The results obtained show good efficiency of these modified fabrics toward heavy metal ions and dyes. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci., 2013