Thermal Behaviour and Sorption Studies of Ion-Exchange Resin

Abstract

Copolymer resin 2,4-DAPOF-II has been synthesized by condensation polymerization and its composition was determined on the basis of elemental analysis. Non-aqueous conductometric titration was used to determine the average molecular weight and the intrinsic viscosity was also determined. The formation of copolymer resin was confirmed by FT-IR, 1H-NMR and 13C-NMR spectroscopy. The semi-crystalline nature of synthesized copolymer was established by Scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Thermal degradation curve has been discussed with minute details by applying Freeman-Carroll8, Sharp-Wentworth47, Friedman and Chang equations9 to evaluate the kinetic parameters i.e. activation energy (Ea), order of reaction (n) and frequency factor (z). This copolymer is proved to be selective chelating ion exchanger for certain metal ions such as Fe3+, Co2+, Cd2+ and Pb2+. A batch equilibrium method was employed to study the selectivity of metal ion uptake involving the measurements and distribution of a given metal ion between the copolymer sample and a solution containing the metal ion. The study was carried out over a wide pH range, shaking time and in media of various ionic strengths.