Functionalization of polymer surfaces by radiation-induced grafting for separation of heavy metal ions

• Two monomers were copolymerized on polypropylene filter by radiation grafting.
• Grafting has changed thermal characteristic of polypropylene matrix.
• Contribution of monomers in the grafted layer was determined by IR spectroscopy.

The reported investigations were focused on the elucidation of the most important factors influencing radiation-induced grafting, particularly on studying the relationship between layer structure formed via copolymerization and content of monomers in the initial solution. Sorption capacity of the prepared by radiation grafting adsorber was evaluated by gamma radiometer using 152Eu3+ as a marker monitoring depletion of the radioisotope from the feed solution.When two monomers, AAc and AAm, contributed in the formation of grafted layer, their input into copolymerization was not proportional to their concentrations in the feed solution. It was confirmed that grafting of the monomers shows synergetic effect as the yield of copolymerization exceeds degree of grafting achieved for the individual components.