Factorial Experimental Design for Reactive Dye Flocculation Using Inorganic-Organic Composite Polymer

An inorganic-organic composite polymer (MCPAM) which consists of magnesium chloride and polyacrylamide was applied in the flocculation system to remove reactive dye (Cibacron Red FN-R) from aqueous solution. Five independent factors i.e. concentration of dye, pH, dosage of composite polymer, agitation speed and agitation time that are affecting the decolourization efficiency of reactive dye, was investigated. A 25-1 fractional factorial design was used to investigate the effect of the independent factors as well as the interaction factors on the colour removal (%). All independent factors were shown to have significant effect on the colour removal (%) of reactive dye. The results showed that the order of significance: dosage of composite polymer > pH > concentration of dye > agitation speed > agitation time. Amongst the operating factors in question, interaction factor of pH*dosage of composite polymer had the strongest effect on the colour removal (%).