Modification of polyethylene-polypropylene fibers by emulsion and solvent radiation grafting systems for boron removal

Preparation of boron-selective adsorbent was carried out by radiation induced grafting of glycidyl methacrylate (GMA) onto polyethylene-coated polypropylene (PE-PP) nonwoven fabric in emulsion or solvent medium followed by immobilization of N-methyl-D-glucamine (NMDG). Adsorbent precursors with 180 % degree of grafting (DG) were obtained by applying reaction parameters comprising 20 kGy dose, 5 % monomer concentration and 1 h reaction time in emulsion compared to 30 kGy, 10 % and 3 h in solvent medium. A glucamine density of 2.2 mmol/g could be imparted to the obtained adsorbents. The emulsion-mediated grafting was found more efficient and economical for preparation of boron chelating adsorbents.