Synthesis of novel high oil‐absorption resins of poly(methyl methacrylate–butyl methacrylate) by surface‐initiated atom transfer radical polymerization using activators regenerated by electron transfer for efficient removal of oil

Abstract

Abstract Oil‐absorption resins are considered one of the effective materials to separate organic chemical compounds from oily water. In this work, well‐defined high oil‐absorption resins of poly(methyl methacrylate–butyl methacrylate) grafted onto silica gel were prepared by surface‐initiated atom transfer radical polymerization using activators regenerated by electron transfer mediated by FeCl 3 /iminodiacetic acid. The grafted polymers were grown in a controlled manner. By considering the effect of different polymerization conditions, we prepared novel high oil‐absorption resins. The chemical structures of the resins were determined by Fourier transform IR spectroscopy. SEM and TGA were also used to characterize the resins. It was found that the resins had good heat‐resistant quality, higher oil absorbency and better oil retention and regeneration properties. The resins can absorb 31.2 g g −1 for tricholoromethane and 23.3 g g −1 for toluene. Copyright © 2012 Society of Chemical Industry