Radiation synthesis of polypropylene-acrylate grafted fiber and its remediation in the spillage of water-insoluble organic chemicals

Abstract

A new kind of functionalized polypropylene(PP)-acrylate grafted fiber were prepared by radiation-induced graft polymerization of methyl acrylate (MA), ethyl acrylate(EA) and butyl acrylate (BA) monomer onto the PP fiber matrix, as a recovery adsorbent for insoluble organic chemicals. The grafting conditions of monomer concentration and irradiation time on the grafting degree were optimized. The obtained grafted fiber sample was identified by Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectrometer and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) to characterize the chemical and morphological changes of the polypropylene fiber surface. The adsorption results indicated that the grafted fiber could be used to remove organic chemicals from water surface. The adsorption capacity of grafted fiber with different acrylate monomer was obviously different for the same chemicals, therefore, investigations with respect to organic removal, dynamic oil retention, and reusability, the effect of monomer polarity on the adsorption capacity of grafted fiber was especially highlighted in this study.