Advances in radiation grafting

• Published in: Nuclear instruments & methods in physics research. Section B, Beam interactions with materials and atoms Beam interactions with materials and atoms, 2001-12, Vol.185 (1), p.235-240
• Main Authors: Hegazy, El-Sayed A, AbdEl-Rehim, H.A, Kamal, H, Kandeel, K.A
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Biomaterials; Chelation; Copolymerization; Graft copolymers; Ion exchange membranes; Membranes; Monomers; Radiation grafting; Waste treatment
• ISSN: 0168-583X; 1872-9584
• DOI: 10.1016/S0168-583X(01)00834-5

Graft copolymerization is an attractive means for modifying base polymers because grafting frequently results in the superposition of properties relating to the backbone and pendent chains. Among the various methods for initiating the grafting reaction, ionizing radiation is the cleanest and most versatile method of grafting available. Ion-exchange membranes play an important role in modern technology, especially in separation and purification of materials. The search for improved membrane composition has considered almost every available polymeric material because of its great practical importance. Grafting of polymers with a mixture of monomers is important since different types of chains containing different functional groups are included. A great deal is focused on the waste treatment of heavy and toxic metals from wastewater because of the severe problems of environmental pollution. Functionalized polymers suitable for metal adsorption with their reactive functional groups such as carboxylic and pyridine groups suitable for waste treatment were prepared by radiation grafting method. More reactive chelating groups were further introduced to the grafted copolymer through its functional groups by chemical treatments with suitable reagents. The advances of radiation grafting and possible uses are briefly discussed.