Abstract
In the present study, muslin was modified by graft copolymerization with poly(4-vinyl pyridine) using γ-ray initiation method. The graft copolymers, thus synthesized, were further functionalized by reaction with 2-chloroethanol. The resultant materials, having pyridinium ring and exchangeable Cl−, were evaluated for the removal of fluoride ions from the simulated water samples. The materials exhibited high fluoride uptake and the maximum uptake was observed at pH 4.0, 20°C and 10 ppm of the fluoride ions. The maximum retention capacity of 7.7 mg/g was observed when fluoride uptake was studied up to 10 cycles. The data generated fit the pseudo-second-order kinetics and Langmuir isotherm. The efficacy of the functionalized muslin was evaluated as an antimicrobial agent against a bacterium (Bacillus aureus) and a fungus (Aspergillus niger). It was observed to be effective to inhibit the growth of both the microbes.
Acknowledgement
Sunil Kumar is thankful to the Government of Himachal Pradesh, India, for the sanction of study leave.