Macroporous Polydivinylbenzene/Poly(Methylacrylate)-Based Hydrophobic/Hydrophilic IPN

Interpenetrating polymer networks (IPNs) are widely used due to their particular structural characteristics and properties of forced compatibility, interface interpenetration and synergism. The aim of this dissertation is to synthesize macroporous hydrophobic/hydrophilic IPNs, investigate their adsorption properties, and establish new methods for synthesis of polymeric adsorbents.In this dissertation, macroporous polydivinylbenzene/poly(methyl acrylate) IPNs (PDVB/PMA IPNs) were synthesized firstly, and macroporous hydrophobic/hydrophilic IPNs composed of polydivinylbenzene and polyacrylethylenediamide (PDVB/PAEM IPNs) were prepared through aminolysis of the PDVB/PMA IPNs with ethylenediamine. Weakly basic anion exchange capacity, water retention, swelling ratio, specific surface area, pore volume, average pore diameter and adsorption properties for theophylline in aqueous solution were measured. Through comparing the adsorption isotherms of the PDVB/PAEM IPNs with those of PDVB-co-AEM, PAEM, PDVB and PDVB/PMA IPNs, we found that the adsorption capacity of polymeric adsorbents can be enhanced by using IPN technology under certain condition. Adsorption isotherms of theophylline from aqueous solution onto PDVB/PAEM IPNs at different temperature were measured, adsorption enthalpies of various adsorption capacities were calculated from the adsorption isotherms according to the Clapeyron-Claudius equation, and an adsorption mechanism was proposed.Macroporous hydrophobic/hydrophilic IPNs composed of polydivinylbenzene and polyacrylate (PDVB/PAA IPNs) were prepared through alkalilysis of the PDVB/PMA IPNs followed by acidification. Adsorption properties of the macroporous PDVB/PAA IPNs. for theophylline in aqueous solution were investigated.A resinic adsorbent based on urea-formaldehyde condensed polymer was synthesized through reversed suspension polymerization of urea and formaldehyde, andβ-cyclodextrin was immobilized on the urea-formaldehyde resin by addition ofβ-Cyclodextrin in the urea-formaldehyde pre-polymer. Water retention and porosity of the resin were tested, and its adsorption properties for phenol were studied.