Title: Characterisation of alginate-based nanocomposites prepared by radiation for removal of pesticides

Authors: Ghada A. Mahmoud; Nabil A. El-kelesh; Nagwa A. Badway; Fatma H. Kamal; Asmaa M. Abdel Aziz

Addresses: Polymer Chemistry Department, National Center for Radiation Research and Technology (NCRRT), Nasar City, Cairo, Egypt ' Polymer Chemistry Department, National Center for Radiation Research and Technology (NCRRT), Nasar City, Cairo, Egypt ' Chemistry Department, Faculty of Science, Al-Azhar University, Nasar City, Cairo, Egypt ' Chemistry Department, Faculty of Science, Al-Azhar University, Nasar City, Cairo, Egypt ' Chemistry Department, Faculty of Science, Al-Azhar University, Nasar City, Cairo, Egypt

Abstract: Nanocomposites based on sodium alginate (NaAlg) and acrylic acid monomer (AAc) with different concentrations of calcite (C) or xonotlite (X) were prepared using gamma ray radiation. (NaAlg/AAc) hydrogel and its composites were characterised by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), scanning electron microscope (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). The introduction of calcite or xonotlite particles into (NaAlg/AAc) hydrogel increases the swelling capacity. The thermal stability improved by introducing calcite into (NaAlg/AAc) nanocomposite and decreased by introducing xonotlite. The prepared nanocomposites were used for removal of methomyl pesticide. It was found that the removal of methomyl by the nanocomposites is pH-dependent. The adsorption isotherm of various nanocomposites was fitted with Freundlich model. The maximum removal percent of methomyl is sequence in order of (NaAlg/AAc-X) > (NaAlg/AAc-C) > (NaAlg/AAc).

Keywords: adsorption; sodium alginate; acrylic acid monomer; calcite; xonotlite; nanocomposites; methomyl pesticides; gamma radiation; pesticide removal; nanotechnology; hydrogel; swelling capacity; Freundlich models.

DOI: 10.1504/IJNP.2014.067610

International Journal of Nanoparticles, 2014 Vol.7 No.3/4, pp.213 - 230

Received: 14 Apr 2014
Accepted: 25 Aug 2014
Published online: 28 Feb 2015 *

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