Synthesis and Characterization of Piperazinium Polyelectrolytes Carrying Hydrophobic Functionalities: Effect of Counter Ion and Charge Density on Flocculation

Abstract

Following our recent synthesis and characterization of three new cationic polyelectrolytes with subtle hydrophobic variability, this paper reports their physical and chemical properties in aqueous media in relation to their chemical structure. Aryl substituted cationic polyelectrolytes varying with their charge density are reported for the first time. Viscosity studies show that these polymers display typical polyelectrolytic behavior. The flocculation efficiency of the polyelectrolytes was investigated with different counter ions. The zeta potential of the polyelectrolytes indicates the charge of the mono and diquaternary ammonium salts which is supported by chloride analysis. The morphology of polymer before and after flocculation was investigated. The introduction of methylene group and quaternary nitrogen play an important role in the flocculation process. It was shown that increasing the hydrophobicity and charge density of the aryl substituted polymer affects the flocculation in the industrial tannery effluent and bentonite suspension.

Keywords:

• Piperazine
• hydrophobicity
• charge density
• flocculation efficiency

Acknowledgments

M. Dharani acknowledges the Department of Inorganic Chemistry, University of Madras for providing Teaching cum Research fellowship. The permission to use TEM facility at the NCNSNT, University of Madras is gratefully acknowledged.