Submitted in fulfillment of the requirements of the Degree of M.Tech.: Chemistry, Durban University of Technology, 2017. / The presence of dyes in effluent poses various environmental as well as health hazards for many organisms. Although various remediation strategies have been implemented to reduce their effect, dyes still manage to infiltrate into the environment and hence new strategies are required to address some of the problems. This study investigated the innovation of two cationic water-soluble polymers viz., Proline-Epichlorohydrin-Ethylenediamine Polymer (PEP) and Thiazolidine-Epichlorohydrin-Ethylenediamine Polymer (TEP) that were used to remediate selected synthetic dyes from synthetic effluent by adsorption and dye reduction. Both polymers were synthesized using monomers of a secondary amine, epichlorohydrin and ethylenediamine and were subsequently characterized and modified and their remediation potential studied. In the first study, PEP was synthesized and characterized by 1H-NMR Spectroscopy, FT-IR Spectroscopy, dynamic light scattering, and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). Thereafter PEP was modified with bentonite clay, by simple mixing of the reactants, to form a Proline-Epichlorohydrin-Ethylenediamine Polymer-bentonite composite (PRO-BEN); it was characterized by FT-IR Spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM)/ energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), dynamic light scattering (DLS), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). Adsorption studies were then undertaken with a synthetic effluent containing three textile dyes, viz., Reactive Blue 222 (RB 222), Reactive Red 195 (RR 195) and Reactive Yellow (RY 145). Various conditions were investigated including pH of the solution, temperature, sodium chloride concentration, initial dye concentration and the dosage of adsorbent used. The experimental data for all dyes followed a Langmuir isotherm. The adsorption process was found to be pseudo-second order. According to the thermodynamic parameters, the adsorption of the dyes was classified as physisorption and the reaction was spontaneous and exothermic. The data were also compared using studies with alumina as an adsorbent. Results showed that PRO-BEN exhibited better absorptivity and desorption than alumina making its use a better recyclable remediation strategy for the removal of organic dyes in wastewater treatment plants. In the second study, TEP was synthesized and then characterized by FT-IR Spectroscopy, 1H-NMR Spectroscopy, TGA and DLS. Thereafter, TEP was used to prepare TEP capped gold nanoparticles (TEP-AuNPs). Herein, two methods were investigated: the Turkevich method and an adaptation of the Turkevich method using bagasse extract. The TEP-AuNPs was characterized by FT-IR Spectroscopy, SEM, EDX, DLS and TEM. Thereafter the reduction of each of Allura Red, Congo Red and Methylene Blue was investigated with the TEP-AuNPs for its catalytic activity toward dye reduction. This study showed that the batch of AuNPs prepared by the Turkevich method had higher rates of dye reduction compared with AuNPs prepared using bagasse extract. Also the quantity of TEP used as capping agent greatly influenced the size, shape and surface charge of the nanoparticles as well as their catalytic performance: the Vroman effect explained this behavior of the TEP-AuNPs. It was finally concluded that whilst PRO-BEN, in the first study, showed excellent dye remediation properties, the second study on TEP-AuNPs showed good catalytic activity for the reduction of selected dyes, however, it was more effective at lower polymer concentration. Finally, both materials displayed good potential for the clean-up of selected synthetic dyes from synthetic effluents. / M

No description available.

M.Sc. (Chemistry) / An aqueous, simple, environmentally friendly synthetic method for the preparation of water-soluble CuS and CdS semiconductor nanoparticles has been developed. Different capping agents with active functional groups (-COOH, -NH and -OH) namely, alanine, glucuronic acid and thioglycolic acid, have been employed in the preparation copper sulfide (CuS) and cadmium sulfide (CdS) semiconductor nanoparticles as capping molecules. These capping agents were explained in Chapter 3 and 4. The reported nanoparticles display good optical and structural properties. The semiconductor nanoparticles were easily synthesized at low temperatures employing low cost materials. In Chapter 3 colloidal methods were used to develop CuS and CdS nanoparticles from metal acetate as a stabilizing agent at different low temperatures. The effect of temperature on the growth and solubility of nanoparticles was investigated. The absorption spectra of all samples prepared were blue shifted as compared to their bulk materials which signify small particles size. Water-soluble alanine-capped CuS and CdS semiconductor nanoparticles were obtained. The alanine-capped CuS in the form of rods, triangular and spherical like shaped with single crystal phase were successfully attained. Chapter 4 describes the uses of the acids, glucuronic and thioglycolic acids, as capping ligands. The glucuronic acid molecules were found to be the effective ligands to render solubility of the nanoparticles. Solubility tests revealed that both glucuronic acid-capped CuS and CdS nanoparticles were more soluble in water as compared to thioglycolic acid-capped CuS and CdS nanoparticles. In Chapter 5 sulphonated porphyrins were prepared and explored in combining them with nanoparticles. The results obtained from 1H NMR suggest that the porphyrins were sulphonated. The sulphonated porphyrins were conjugated with the water-soluble nanoparticles and this is described in Chapter 6. The results presented in Chapter 6 are in favour of the formation of nanoparticle-porphyrin complexes.

Thesis (Ph.D.)--McMaster University, 2004. / Supervisor: Harald D. H. Stöver.

Thesis (Ph. D.)--University of Texas at Austin, 2000. / Vita. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 286-299). Available also in a digital version from Dissertation Abstracts.

Thesis (Ph.D.) -- McMaster University, 1999. / Includes bibliographical references. Also available via World Wide Web.

Thesis (Ph.D.) - University of Queensland, 2006. / Includes bibliography.

<p> In part I of this dissertation, several cationic polyacrylamides were tested under different conditions for their ability to improve the retention of fines in papermaking. A dynamic drainage jar was used to simulate the turbulence encountered in the papermaking process. Several factors, including temperature, the amount and intensity of turbulence, the additive concentration and the presence of impurities were found to affect fines retention with polymers present. A polymer made by Nalco Chemicals proved to be superior to a commonly used polymer, Percol 292 for a standard fine paper pulp. It was thought that further retention improvements might be possible by tailoring the charge density and molecular weight of polyacylamide retention aides for the specific papermaking system they are intended for. Novel approaches to retention such as those employing combinations of an anionic polymer, a cationic polymer and zirconium oxychloride were thought to show promise as well.</p> <p> In part II of this dissertation several broad polyacrylamide molecular weight standards were prepared by inverse suspension and solution processes on pilot plant equipment at the McMaster Institute for Polymer Production Technology. They were characterized by laser light scattering and viscometry at McMaster, and externally by other methods. Although the polyacrylamides prepared compare favourably to currently available commercial standards when both are analysed by SEC, further analysis must be done to be certain of the molecular weight averages.</p> <p> A relationship is presented to provide for simpler and more accurate light scattering analysis in the future. This relationship relating Mw to the second Virial coefficient may be used to eliminate some uncertainty in the often scattered plots encountered when calculating molecular weights for polyacrylamides analysed by light scattering.</p> / Thesis / Master of Engineering (MEngr)

Thesis (PhD)--Stellenbosch University, 2008. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: This study concerns the synthesis, properties and quantitative analysis of polydiallyldimethylammonium chloride (polyDADMAC), a water-soluble polymer used world-wide for potable water purification. The special interest in this polymer is the result of its widespread use and the current lack of adequate analytical methods for it. This is especially important for water treatment organisations. A novel gel permeation chromatography (GPC) method was developed and evaluated for polymer analysis. The scope was extended to determine the presence of unreacted monomer (DADMAC) as well as the percentage active polymer. polyDADMAC was first prepared using a known synthesis method. The product was purified and characterized by GPC and 13C-NMR spectroscopy. New and conclusive evidence of the existence of a five-member pyrrolidine ring system was obtained. A proposed mechanism of polymerization was determined. The activity of the synthesized polyDADMAC was evaluated and it was found to perform effectively as a coagulant. The physical and chemical properties of polyDADMAC were then studied under simulated water treatment conditions. The polymer reaction with chlorine revealed the formation of trihalogenated methane compounds (THMs). Gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS) was used to conclusively identify the formation of chloroform. The polymer stability under different conditions of heat exposure, UV radiation and pH variations was studied. GPC results indicated that polyDADMAC is a very stable polymer and undergoes structural change only when subjected to extremes of pH, temperature and UV conditions. Results of a short study on microbial degradation indicated growth of the cultures, and subsequent polymer degradation. Reactions of polyDADMAC were concluded with a study of the impact of ozone on polyDADMAC. GPC results indicated a significant change in the ozonated polymer peak profile. Analytical methods to determine polyDADMAC residues in water were reviewed and critically evaluated. Methods based on complex formation/spectroscopy suffered from severe limitations and produced no meaningful results, contrary to claims made by previous researchers. Colloid titration based on an established method was promising but required extensive modification for quantitative analysis. Finally four novel methods were developed, including: solid phase extraction, membrane filtration-GPC, the HACH complexation method, and a GPC method with indirect UV detection. The study is concluded with a chemical risk assessment that indicated minimal human health risks associated with the production and use of polyDADMAC. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING:Hierdie studie behels die sintese, eienskappe en kwantitatiewe analise van polidiallielmetielammoniumchloried (polyDADMAC), 'n wateroplosbare polimeer wat wêreldwyd vir drinkwatersuiwering gebruik word. Die belangstelling in hierdie spesifieke polimeer is as gevolg van die wydverspreide gebruik daarvan en die feit dat daar tans onvoldoende eenvoudige analitiese metodes daarvoor bestaan. Dit is veral belangrik vir waterbehandelingsorganisasies. 'n Nuwe gelpermeasiechromatografie (GPC) metode is ontwikkel en geevalueer vir die analise van hierdie polimeer. Die omvang van die studie is later uitgebrei om die teenwoordigheid van ongereageerde monomeer (DADMAC) asook die persentasie aktiewe polimeer te bepaal. polyDADMAC is eers volgens 'n bekende sintesemetode berei. Die produk is gesuiwer en gekarakteriseer m.b.v. GPC en 13C-KMR. Nuwe bewyse vir die bestaan van 'n vyflid pirollidoonringsisteem is verkry. 'n Meganisme vir hierdie polimerisasie metode is vasgestel. Die aktiwiteit van die bereide polyDADMAC is geevalueer en daar is bevind dat dit effektief as koaguleermiddel optree. Daarna is die chemiese en fisiese eienskappe van polyDADMAC onder gesimuleerde waterbehandelingskondisies bepaal. polyDADMAC het met chloor gerageer om trihalogeneerde metaanverbindings (THMs) te vorm. Gaschromatografie–massa-spektrometrie (GC–MS) is gebruik om die ontstaan van chloroform te bevestig. Daarna is die stabiliteit van die polimeer onder verskei reaksiekondisies bepaal: hitte, UV-bestraling, en pH. GPC-resultate het aangeduiui dat polyDADMAC baie stabiel is en ondergaan strukturele veranderings slegs onder uiterste kondisies van pH, temperatuur en UV. 'n Kort studie van die effek van mikro-organismes op polyDADMAC het egtermikrobiese kultuurgroei met die gevolglike afbreek van die polimeer getoon. Resultate van 'n studie van die impak van osoon op polyDADMAC het getoon dat daar 'n groot verandering in die GPC-profiel van die ge-osoneerde vorm van die polimeer was. Verdere analitiese metodes wat al gebruik is om polyDADMAC residue in water te bepaal, is uitgevoer en krities geevalueer. Metodes gebasseer op kompleksvorming/ spektroskopie het erge beperkings gehad en het nie betekenisvolle resultate gelewer nie. Dit was in teenstelling met wat voorheen deur ander navorsers bevind is. 'n Kolloiedtitrasie gebasseer op 'n bestaande metode het goeie resultate gelewer maar het omvattende veranderings benodig om kwantitatiewe resultate te lewer. Ten slotte is vier nuwe metodes ontwikkel: soliede fase-ekstraksie, membraanfiltrasie-GPC, die HACH-komplekseringsmetode, en 'n GPC-metode met indirekte UV-waarneming.. Die studie is afgesluit met 'n bepaling van die chemiese risiko wat poly DADMAC vir die gesondheid van die mens inhou. Daar is tot die gevolgtrekking gekom dat die produksie en gebruik van poly DADMAC slegs‘n minimum gesondheidsrisiko inhou.

Monodispersed microgels composed of poly-acrylic acid (PAAc) and poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) (PNIPAM) interpenetrating networks were synthesized by 2-step method with first preparing PNIPAM microgel and then polymerizing acrylic acid that interpenetrates into the PNIPAM network. The semi-dilute aqueous solutions of the PNIPAM-PAAc IPN microgels exhibit an inverse thermo-reversible gelation. Furthermore, IPN microgels undergo the reversible volume phase transitions in response to both pH and temperature changes associated to PAAc and PNIPAM, respectively. Three applications based on this novel hydrogel system are presented: a rich phase diagram that opens a door for fundamental study of phase behavior of colloidal systems, a thermally induced viscosity change, and in situ hydrogel formation for controlled drug release. Clay-polymer hydrogel composites have been synthesized based on PNIPAM gels containing 0.25 to 4 wt% of the expandable smectic clay Na-montmorillonite layered silicates (Na-MLS). For Na-MLS concentrations ranging from 2.0 to 3.2 wt%, the composite gels have larger swelling ratio and stronger mechanical strength than those for a pure PNIPAM. The presence of Na-MLS does not affect the value of the lower critical solution temperature (LCST) of the PNIPAM. Surfactant-free hydroxypropyl cellulose (HPC) microgels have been synthesized in salt solution. In a narrow sodium chloride concentration range from 1.3 to 1.4 M, HPC chains can self-associate into colloidal particles at room temperature. The microgel particles were then obtained in situ by bonding self-associated HPC chains at 23 0C using divinyl sulfone as a cross-linker. The volume phase transition of the resultant HPC microgels has been studied as a function of temperature at various salt concentrations. A theoretical model based on Flory-Huggins free energy consideration has been used to explain the experimental results. Self-association behavior and conformation variation of long chain branched (LCB) poly (2-ethyloxazoline) (PEOx) with a CH3-(CH2)17 (C18) modified surface are investigated using light scattering techniques in various solvents. The polymer critical aggregation concentration (cac) strongly depends on solvent polarity, decreasing as the solvent becomes more hydrophobic.