Synthesis of polyester styrene resin beads as polymeric ionic exchangers by using chemical and irradiation techniques

The aim of the study is to prepare ionic exchangers using the polymerization of unsaturated polyster with monomeric styrene units in a ratio of 60%: 40% respectively. The type of method involved in this preparation, is called An Emulsion Polymerization. Such type of polymerization was carried out by two techniques: chemical and irradiation techniques. The first techniques requires the formation of free radical monomers by use of methyl Ethy Ketone Peroxide capable of decomposing into free radicals upon heating, while the other technique involves the use of gamma rays (using Co-60 source) capable of activating monomers towards free radical formations. A number of very effective chemical parameters and physical factors were used and investigated throughout the reactions such as: dispersant matrix, viscosity, rate of mixing, and irradiation dose. Besides, the study has included the study of the rate of Resin Beads Swelling which is thought to be another important part of investigation. From the results obtained, a comparison between the efficiency of te two techniques (chemical and irradiation techniques) in production of very highly characterized Resin Beads, were conducted. The analysis part of this study was carried out according to standard reliable methods including the application of electron microscope to obtain a micrographic photos of the final preparations through which a clear description of how Resin Beads, were dispersed through the matrixes, and the effect of those parameters and factors on the reactions. Polymerization process using both methods proved to be efficient in preparation a spherical Resin Beads with diameter ranged between 4-2-00 micrometers. The study also proved that the control of diameter could be reached by manipulation of viscosity, type of matrix, rate of mix, irradiation dose, which in turn reflect the surface hardness. It was very important to evaluate the maximum swelling swelling percentage for all batches (I, II, III, IV), which reached 45%, 86%, 32%, and 57% respectively at ph 5, and those maximum values were reached stability after 3 days of immersion in solution. Generally, the obtained results proved the efficiency of those two techniques in preparation of Ionic Exchange Resin Beads. Therefore, one could take use of those Resins in chemical separation process for a variety of elements and metals, and radioactive nuclides, in field of analytical chemistry and radiochemistry respectively, since they are easily prepared, yet of high economic value. (author)