Modification and Characterization of Polyacrylic Acid for Metal Ion Recovery

Abstract

Polyacrylic acid was converted into modified polymers with the targeted functional groups through the reaction with different organic compounds such as some aromatic amines and acids. The obtained modified polymeric products have been characterized through FT-IR spectroscopic and thermal analyses. Modified acrylic polymers were tested for their ability to be used for heavy metal ion recovery from their aqueous solutions. They also were tested as polymeric antioxidants for PVC as a standard polymer by using the discoloration extent of PVC as a function of thermal degradation of PVC due to the thermal treatment. The obtained results were discussed and justified.