Functionalization of psyllium with methacrylic acid through grafting and network formation for use of polymers in water treatment

Abstract

AbstractThe psyllium husk, a natural polysaccharide, was modified to develop novel green polymeric materials for use in wastewater treatment technologies. Graft copolymers and three‐dimensional interpenetrating networks (IPNs) of psyllium (Psy) and methacrylic acid (MAAc) were prepared using ammonium persulphate (APS) as initiator. Network formation was carried out using N,N‐methylenebisacrylamide (N,N‐MBAAm) as crosslinker. The hydrogels, thus formed, were characterized using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), FTIR spectroscopy, and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) to derive the structure–property correlation. Swellability of these hydrogels was analyzed in distilled water and aqueous NaCl solution as a function of time, temperature, pH, and [NaCl]. Flocculation efficiency of graft polymers was analyzed against aqueous kaolin suspension of known concentration as a function of settling time, temperature, amount of polymer, and pH. Novel polymeric materials were also used for the treatment of total hardness in tap water. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 103: 1025–1034, 2007