Radiation induced graft polymerization of glycidyl methacrylate onto sepiolite

Radiation induced graft polymerization (RIGP) was used to develop glycidyl methacrylate (GMA) grafted nanohybrid polymer. The absorbed dose and monomer concentration significantly affect the degree of grafting on vinyl modified sepiolite (VMS). Maximum grafting of 665% was achieved at optimized absorbed dose and monomer concentration. Post-polymerization modification of the nanohybrid with maximum grafting was carried out with sodium sulfite. Structural studies by ATR-FTIR and XRD analysis of the synthesized nanohybrids confirmed modification at different stages. The morphological changes studied by field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) showed the conversion of sepiolite fiber into globular structure. Thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA) revealed an increase in thermal stability of the GMA grafted nanohybrid with the increase in grafting yield. The sulfonated form of the nanohybrid showed highest adsorption for Cu(II) at 4 pH value which indicates its potential as metal ion adsorbent for the recovery of metals from wastewater.

Automated summary

Radiation induced graft polymerization was used to develop a nanohybrid polymer with glycidyl methacrylate grafted onto sepiolite. The study found that the absorbed dose and monomer concentration significantly affect the degree of grafting, with a maximum grafting of 665% achieved at optimized conditions. Post-polymerization modification with sodium sulfite increased thermal stability of the nanohybrid, and the sulfonated form showed high adsorption for Cu(II) at pH 4, indicating its potential as a metal ion adsorbent for wastewater treatment.