Synthesis and applications of poly(2-hydroxyethylmethacrylate) grafted agar: A microwave based approach

• Ag-g-P(HEMA) was synthesized by ‘microwave initiated method’.
• Synthesized grades were studied for efficacy as flocculant for kaolin and coal fine suspension and river water treatment.
• Ag-g-P(HEMA) synthesized grades showed higher flocculation efficacy than coagulant (alum) and agar.
• Higher the percentage grafting of Ag-g-P(HEMA), higher is its flocculation efficacy.

Synthesis of graft copolymers under the influence of microwave radiation alone is a rapid, efficient, clean, cheap, convenient, energy-saving and green method. Grafting of poly(2-hydroxyethylmethacrylate) on agar backbone was carried out under the influence of microwave radiation. The synthesis is optimized in terms of percentage grafting and intrinsic viscosity, by varying the microwave irradiation time and monomer (2-hydroxyethylmethacrylate) concentration. The synthesized graft copolymers have been characterized by intrinsic viscosity measurement, FTIR spectroscopy, UV-spectroscopy, elemental analysis (C, H, N, & S), thermal studies and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Flocculation efficacy of the synthesized graft copolymers was studied in 0.25% kaolin and 1% coal fine suspension, through ‘jar test’ procedure. Further, flocculation efficacy of the best grade, coagulant (alum) and agar were studied for possible application in remediation of metals from river water.