In situ polymerization of cationic polyacrylamide/montmorillonite composites and its flocculation characteristics

Abstract

In order to improve the waste sludge dewaterability of polyacrylamide (PAM), composite conditioner of cationic PAM/montmorillonite (CPAM/MMT) was synthesized by in situ polymerization. The structure and property of the composite were studied in terms of intermolecular hydrogen bonding, melting behavior, intercalation behavior, and dewaterability of the waste sludge. The results revealed that the molecular weight and cationic degree of CPAM/MMT composites decreased with the increase of MMT content. The hydrogen bonding between –OH groups of MMT and –NH groups of CPAM was confirmed by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopic analysis, which led to a relatively high elastic modulus values and low tan δ values at 5 wt% MMT content, indicating the possible formation of a physically cross-linked network in aqueous solution for the composite. The melting temperature of the composites presented decreasing trend first and then became higher as the content of MMT increased. The MMT platelets dispersed well with an intercalated state in CPAM matrix as indicated by x-ray diffraction analysis and transmission electron microscopic observation. The addition of MMT reduced the specific resistance to filtration of the waste sludge, with a minimum value being achieved at 5 wt% MMT content, while the ultraviolet transmittance of the supernatant of the waste sludge was also improved, and the turbidity was reduced. This synergistic effect of the two components in the composite through charge neutrality and bridging action of CPAM as well as the adsorption capacity of MMT resulted in an enhanced dewaterability of waste sludge.