The synthesis, characterization and properties of zirconium-chelating polymers

A series of homo- and copolymers based on the monomers : 2-propenoic acid, 2-methyl-2-propenoic acid, 2-chloro-2-propenoic acid, methylene butanedioic acid, ethenyl acetate and ethylene sulphonic acid have been synthesized and characterized. These polyelectrolytes were used with hydrous zirconium oxide to form novel dynamic membranes on Millipore filter substrates. These desalinating membranes were studied in terms of the chemical structure of the polyelectrolytes with regard to the effect of pH on their formation and performance characteristics. The effect of the charge density on the membranes was related to the membranes' figure of merit. Membrane studies were undertaken at pressures of 6 MPa and flow rates of 3,65 litres per minute. 59 figs., 20 tabs., 94 refs