Microwave-assisted cationization of Gum ghatti by grafting with diallyldimethylammonium chloride (DADMAC) and its applications as nano scavenger

Abstract

In this research paper, we endeavor to publish our work on non-acrylamide based flocculant which, does not threaten any acrylamide release and thus is inherently safer. A novel cationic graft copolymer Polydiallyldimethylammoniumchloride grafted Gum Ghatti [GGt-g-P(DADMAC)] was synthesized using a 'microwave assisted' technique. Both GGt and DADMAC are biodegradable and non toxic in nature. The intended grafting was confirmed through standard physicochemical techniques. The synthesized graft copolymer was studied as a flocculant in various minerals and nanoparticle suspensions through standard ‘Jar test’ and ‘settling test’ protocols in various pH and temperature ranges. The simple proposition used to conceive this work was that the GGt-g-P(DADMAC) being positively charged due to the grafted chains aids the flocculation of the negatively charged nano- suspensions. This proposition has been experimentally verified by flocculation studies, with strong interrelation among grafting parameters. The results indicated that this novel graft copolymer is a superior flocculant to Gum ghatti and the commercially available ALUM and can be further studied towards commercial use.