Graft polymerization on magnetic polymer substrates

Abstract

Abstract Functional monomers were graft polymerized onto substrates consisting of magnetic iron oxides in a crosslinked PVA matrix. Initiation was carried out with H 2 O 2 and FeSO 4 ; other common chemical initiating systems proved unsuccessful. Peroxide treatment of the substrates must be carried out separately from the reaction with Fe 2+ and monomer. The amount of grafting achieved is highly variable, depending on the nature of the monomer. Strong base and weak acid magnetic shell resins prepared by graft polymerization are useful in water treatment by flocculation and moving‐bed ion exchange, respectively. A wider range of products can be obtained by chemical modification of grafted chains. The mechanism of grafting is discussed in an endeavor to explain the highly specific nature of the reaction.