Preparation and utilization of cationized sawdust

Glycidyl trimethyl ammonium acetate (GTMAA) was prepared. Factors affecting the cationization of sawdust with GTMAA in presence of sodium hydroxide were investigated. These factors include sodium hydroxide/GTMAA molar ratio, liquor ratio, reaction duration, and temperature. The extent of cationization was traced by estimating the nitrogen content of the cationized sawdust, and its structural features were confirmed by IR analysis. The ability of cationized sawdust to adsorb anionic dyes, viz., Acid Fast Red 1, Acid Green 16, and Direct Blue 75, was investigated at 30 degrees C. The adsorption data follow both Langmuir and Freundlish isotherms. The adsorption capacity, Q(max), were 82, 86.2, and 81.3 mg/ g, for Acid Red 1, Direct Blue 75, and Acid Green 16, respectively. Cationized sawdust exhibited a much better adsorption capacity towards anionic dyes than native sawdust.