Fuzzy C-Means Based Synthesis of Ion-Exchange Materials

Abstract

AbstractThe presented article is devoted to the synthesis of sulfocationites with simplified technology and with improved properties. For this purpose, polymer wastes taken in different proportions were mechanochemically modified with polyvinyl chloride. Samples of polystyrene taken from the interior walls of the household “ORSK” refrigerator were used as polymer waste. The extracted polymer samples were first cleaned, washed, crushed and then some of their parameters (molecular weight, density, solubility, swelling rate, chemical resistance) were determined. The process of mechanochemical modification of polymers was carried out at a temperature of 150–160 °C in a wide range of shear strain. The rheological properties of the polymer alloy were studied to confirm the homogeneity of the obtained polymer mixtures. Ion exchange resins were synthesized by sulfonation on the basis of a polymer mixture obtained with mechanochemical method. Using anhydrous AlCl3 as a catalyst, the sulfonation process was carried out with the concentrated sulfuric acid at different temperatures and times. Optimal conditions for this process have been determined. In order to confirm the course of mechanochemical modification and sulfonation process, IR spectrum of both the primary components and the modified composition, as well as sulfocationites were taken. Satisfactory results were obtained by studying the main properties of the obtained sulfocationites such as swelling coefficient, static and dynamic exchange capacity, mechanical resistance, and the use of ion exchange resins in desalination of water was proposed.KeywordsSulfocationiteWaste polystyrenePolyvinylchlorideMechanochemical modificationEffective viscosityShear strainShear rateSulfonationStatic and dynamic exchange capacityMechanical resistance