Preparation and characterization of a strong basic anion exchanger by radiation-induced grafting of styrene onto poly(tetrafluoroethylene) fiber

A novel anion-exchange fiber with strong basic groups has been prepared by grafting styrene onto poly(tetrafluoroethylene) fibers via irradiation. Experiments were carried out to analyze the effects of synthesis conditions on the grafting degree and to characterize the physicochemical properties of the anion-exchange fibers. The experimental results showed that preirradiation grafting styrene onto poly(tetrafluoroethylene) fiber could significantly reduce the waste of raw material and the formation of homopolymer, although the grafting degree was relatively low. The grafting reaction could be effectively enhanced through the addition of magnesium powder into the reaction system. The optimal temperature and time for preirradiation grafting were 80 °C and 6 h, respectively. The experimental results also showed that the anion-exchange fibers had excellent mechanical properties and thermal stability at a temperature up to 420 °C. The fibers were stable in acidic, alkali, and oxidative solutions. The static ion-exchange capacity of the fibers was as high as 6.08 mmol/g. The static adsorption capacities for Cr2O2−7 and MnO−4 ions were 214.08 and 290.98 mg/g, respectively.

Graphical abstractA strong basic anion-exchange fiber has been effectively prepared, which not only has the desirable advantages of anion-exchange fiber but also has the merits of PTFE.Figure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slide