Amphoteric amylopectin: A novel polymeric flocculant

Abstract

Novel flocculant based on amphoteric amylopectin for wastewater and industrial effluents treatment has been developed in authors’ laboratory. Amphoteric flocculants have anionic and cationic moieties on the same macromolecule and is used to remove both positively and negatively charged contaminant particles in suspensions. Amylopectin based flocculants have been found to be highly efficient flocculant and hence it has been chosen as base polysaccharide. By grafting of polyacrylamide and subsequent hydrolysis, anionic amylopectin has been synthesized. Afterwards, a cationic moiety has been inserted both by chemical/microwave processing. The flocculation efficiency of the amphoteric amylopectin has been tested in kaolin and iron ore suspensions. The results indicate its high efficiency in comparison with anionic, grafted, and base amylopectin. The amphoteric amylopectin prepared via microwave irradiation showed best flocculation efficiency. Highlights ► A novel polymeric flocculant has been synthesized. ► The flocculant is controlled biodegradable and based on amphoteric amylopectin. ► Amphoteric amylopectin prepared by microwave processing is the best. ► This flocculant can remove both positively and negatively charged contaminants.