Graft copolymeric flocculant using functionalized starch towards treatment of blast furnace effluent.

Abstract Herein, a novel binary graft copolymeric flocculant [St-g-(PAAm-co-PMETAC)] has been developed using starch, polyacrylamide (PAAm) and poly (2-methacryloyloxy ethyl trimethyl ammonium chloride) (PMETAC). The copolymer has been synthesised by grafting of PAAm and PMETAC chains on starch backbone using free radical polymerization. FTIR and 1H NMR spectral analyses have been used for structural confirmation of developed copolymer. Determination of molecular weight reveals that after grafting of PAAm and PMETAC on starch, the molecular weight as well as radius of gyration have been increased as compared to pristine starch. The surface morphologies of starch and St-g-(PAAm-co-PMETAC) have been assessed by FESEM analysis. TGA/DTG along with MS analyser is able to track the pre-specified compounds over the entire period of degradation temperature. The synthesised graft copolymer i.e. St-g-(PAAm-co-PMETAC) demonstrates brilliant efficiency as flocculant towards the treatment of blast furnace effluent generated in integrated steel plant. Highlights • A novel polymeric flocculant has been synthesised using functionalized starch. • The graft copolymer is a useful flocculant for treatment of blast furnace effluent. • The flocculation efficacy is comparable with commercial flocculant. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]