Synthesis and Properties of Synthetic Egyptian Corncob-Phenol Formaldehyde Cationic Exchanger

Studies have been carried out on the synthesis, composition, stability, and ion-exchange properties of cationic resins from poly-condensation of Egyptian corncobs (as a source of inexpensive and renewable material) with phenol in the presence of parafonnaldehyde as a crosslinking agent. These exchangers are stable in water, organic solvents, thermal treatment and mineral acids (1 M). The samples, having a cation-exchange capacity up to 3.22 mEq g −1 of dry resin, are being introduced as a new cationic exchanger. The cationic exchanger shows a limited affinity for the binary separation of some divalent cations.