Synthesis, characterization and applications of graft copolymer (κ-carrageenan-g-vinylsulfonic acid)

Abstract The synthesis of graft copolymer (κ-carrageenan-g-vinylsulfonic acid) is carried out in nitrogen atmosphere using potassium peroxymonosulfate (PMS) and malonic acid (MA) as redox system. The effect of reaction variables including the concentration of vinylsulfonic acid 1.3 × 10 −2 to 6.7 × 10 −2  mol dm −3 , PMS 4 × 10 −3 to 20 × 10 −3  mol dm −3 , MA 1.6 × 10 −3 to 4.8 × 10 −3  mol dm −3 , sulfuric acid 1 × 10 −3 to 8 × 10 −3  mol dm −3 , κ-carrageenan 0.4–1.8 g dm −3 as well as time duration 60–180 min and temperature 25–45 °C has been studied. The water swelling capacity of graft copolymer is investigated. Flocculation property for both coking and non-coking coals is studied for the treatment of coal mine waste water. The graft copolymer has been characterized by FTIR and thermogravimetric analysis.