Synthesis of Polyacrylate/Poly(ethylene glycol) Hydrogel and its Absorption Properties for Heavy Metal Ions and Dye

A novel polyacrylate/poly(ethylene glycol) (PAA/PEG) hydrogel was synthesized by a simple two-step aqueous prepolymerization method. The deswelling properties were investigated in the case of changing the neutralization degrees of PAA, the pHs and the concentration of multivalent salt solutions. Methyl orange (MO) dye can be adsorbed and released using the swelling-deswelling property of the PAA/PEG hydrogel. The PAA/PEG hydrogel can adsorb MO of 29 mg/g at equilibrium and release about 80% in 30 min. Based on the deswelling property, the dyes in wastewater can be reclaimed and reused. POLYM. COMPOS., 30:1183-1189, 2009. (C) 2008 Society of Plastics Engineers