Modified suspension-PVC particles as absorbents of ortho-dichlorobenzene from water

Modified porous PVC particles are studied as absorbents of o‐dichlorobenzene (DCB), from water. The modified particles were produced by an in‐situ stabilizer‐free polymerization/crosslinking of a monomer/crosslinker/peroxide solution absorbed within commercial porous suspension‐type PVC particles. The modifying monomers used include styrene with divinyl benzene (DVB) as a crosslinking comonomer, methyl methacrylate (MMA), butyl acrylate (BA), or ethylhexyl acrylate (EHA) with ethylene glycol dimethacrylate (EGDMA) as a crosslinking comonomer. The effect of the nature of the monomers, morphology, porosity, surface area and composition of the modified PVC particles on DCB absorption was studied. Batch experiments (absorption rate and isotherms) were used to screen the PVC absorbents on the basis of absorption rate and absorption capacity. Continuous absorption column experiments were conducted to study the parameters characterizing the absorption process. Both the unmodified and modified PVC particles absorb DCB from water. The PBA and PEHA‐modified PVC particles approach equilibrium capacity faster and have greater absorption capacity than neat PVC, PS‐modified PVC and PMMA‐modified PVC particles. The absorption characteristics are influenced by the modifying polymer's Tg. The rubbery nature of PBA and PEHA yields better absorption in spite of the significantly lower surface area and porosity obtained in the modified PVC particles. Thus, indicating that fast adsorption followed by bulk absorption of DCB is taking place. A clear influence of the crosslinking effect was not established. The continuous absorption experiments were found more efficient than the batch absorption experiments. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.