Iron oxide induced bagasse nanoparticles for the sequestration of Cr6+ ions from tannery effluent using a modified batch reactor

The emphasis of the present study is to investigate the potential of magnetic iron oxide nanoparticles synthesized using bagasse from sugarcane (M‐NIOB). M‐NIOB was infused onto the modified batch reactor (M‐BR) stirrers using mesh structures for the adsorption of Cr⁶⁺ contained in effluent from the leather industry. M‐NIOB exhibited supermagnetic properties under an external magnetic field with a saturation magnetization value of 9.192 emu/g at room temperature. M‐NIOB nanoparticles were characterized by scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, X‐ray diffraction, vibrating sample magnetometer, and Brunauer–Emmett–Teller analysis. The size of the M‐NIOB particles ranged from 50 to 200 nm. The most favorable time, pH, and temperature for the application of M‐NIOB to Cr⁶⁺ removal from tannery effluent was found to be 180 min, 5, and 318 K, respectively. M‐NIOB adsorbent performed its best at an adsorbent dosage of 800 mg/150 mL with a particle size of 150 nm. Kinetic and thermodynamic studies have been conducted. The applicability of various adsorption models for the Cr⁶⁺ adsorption data was tested. Moreover, the desorption studies carried out at 60 °C proved the capability of M‐NIOB for regeneration and reuse. Hence, M‐NIOB could be potentially applied for the treatment of effluent that has Cr⁶⁺ as a major constituent. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2018 , 135, 46683.     

Removal of toxic metal Cr(VI) from aqueous solutions using sawdust as adsorbent: Equilibrium, kinetics and regeneration studies

In the present study, a low-cost adsorbent is developed from the naturally and abundantly available sawdust which is biodegradable. The removal capacity of Cr(VI) from aqueous solutions and from the synthetically prepared industrial effluent of electroplating and tannery industries is obtained. The batch experiments are carried out to investigate the effect of the significant process parameters such as initial pH, change in pH during adsorption, contact time, adsorbent amount, and the initial Cr(VI) concentration. The maximum adsorption of Cr(VI) on sawdust is obtained at an initial pH value of 1. The value of pH increases with increase in contact time and initial Cr(VI) concentration. The equilibrium data for the adsorption of Cr(VI) on sawdust is tested with various adsorption isotherm models such as Langmuir, Freundlich, Redlich–Peterson, Koble–Corrigan, Tempkin, Dubinin–Radushkevich and Generalized equation. The Langmuir isotherm model is found to be the most suitable one for the Cr(VI) adsorption using sawdust and the maximum adsorption capacity obtained is 41.5 mg g⁻¹ at a pH value of 1. The adsorption process follows the second-order kinetics and the corresponding rate constants are obtained. Desorption of Cr(VI) from sawdust using acid and base treatment exhibited a higher desorption efficiency by more than 95%. A feasible solution is proposed, for the disposal of the contaminant (acid and base solutions) containing high concentration of Cr(VI) obtained during the desorption process. The interference of other ions which are generally present in the electroplating and tannery industrial effluent streams on the Cr(VI) removal is investigated.     

Characterization of floc size, strength and structure under various coagulation mechanisms

Flocs generated by various coagulation mechanisms exhibit different size, strength and structure. The properties and fractal dimensions of flocs formed under three common coagulation mechanisms, i.e. charge neutralization, sweep and bridging, were investigated at various hydraulic conditions. The results showed that the floc size decreased with the increasing average velocity gradient G and the stable floc size exponent γ was of the following hierarchy: charge neutralization (0.6107) > sweep (0.5618) > bridging (0.3674). Furthermore, fractal dimensions of flocs were the highest when formed by sweep and the lowest when generated by bridging flocculation. The mass fractal dimensions measured by light scattering were between 2.0 and 3.0 and the floc strength was between 0.01 and 0.58 N m^− 2. An intrinsic unity of the relationship among floc size, fractal dimensions, floc strength under the three coagulation mechanisms was demonstrated.     

Reuse of a waste adsorbent poly(AAc/AM/SH)‐Cu superabsorbent hydrogel,for the potential phosphate ion removal from waste water: Matrix effects,adsorption kinetics,and thermodynamic studies

The most commonly applied methods for the treatment of used adsorbents is to recover them in acid/alkaline medium or direct enflame them. This work dealt with a new potential and economic method to utilize a waste adsorbent. Poly(AAc/AM/SH) superabsorbent hydrogels have proved to be a good adsorbent for Cu²⁺ ions and after adsorption the hydrogels were recovered in acid medium. In this report, the Cu²⁺ ion adsorbed hydrogel has not undergone any regeneration process and applied directly to phosphate ion adsorption. The Cu²⁺ ions‐loaded poly(AAc/AM/SH) hydrogels, were stable within a wide pH range and suitable for phosphate ion adsorption. The factors affecting the phosphate adsorption, such as pH, ionic strength, contact time, temperature, initial concentration of the phosphate ion, and coexisting ions were systematically investigated. The phosphate adsorption was highly pH dependent; and the maximum adsorption of 87.62 mg/g was achieved at pH 6.1. The adsorption data fitted the Langmuir adsorption isotherm better than the Freundlich isotherm. The concomitant anions show profounder adverse influence on phosphate ion adsorption of poly(AAc/AM/SH)‐Cu hydrogel and the effect follows the order citrate > sulfate > bicarbonate > chloride > nitrate. The thermodynamic parameters including ΔH°, ΔG°, and ΔS° for the adsorption processes of phosphate ions on the gel were also evaluated, and the negative ΔG° and ΔH° confirmed that the adsorption process was spontaneous and exothermic. The adsorption kinetic results suggest that the adsorption process was well described by the pseudo second‐order kinetic model. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci., 2013     

Textile wastewater treatment efficiency by Fenton oxidation with integration of membrane separation system

This work investigates the performance of an integrated Fenton-Ultrafiltration treatment scheme to treat textile wastewater. The treated effluent is particle-free at a quality higher than that obtained by any novel membrane based process or Fenton oxidation in singularity. The study is divided into three parts: part one, Fenton process was optimized for COD: H₂O₂ (wt/wt), H₂O₂: Fe⁺² (wt/wt) and pH to attain highest degradation removal and lowest sludge generation. The process efficiency was analyzed by considering COD, TOC and color removal as key parameters. Part two, the process was scaled up to 5?L and efficiency of integrated system was investigated under optimized conditions by using two different types of membranes at different operating pressures. Part three, the performance of membrane process was studied in terms of flux behavior and its recovery. The treated effluent has COD, TOC and color removal values of 48.0?mg/L, 1.2?mg/L and >99% respectively. These values are compliant to typical discharge environmental standards.     

Comparison of initiation methods in the structure of CPAM and sludge flocs properties

Cationic polyacrylamides (CPAMs) synthesized by thermal, ultrasonic, microwave, and UV initiation were characterized through magnetic resonance hydrogen spectroscopy (¹H NMR), Fourier transform infrared spectra, scanning electron microscopy, and thermal gravimetric analysis. The CPAMs for flocculation and dewatering of alum sludge produced through drinking water treatment were evaluated based on the residual turbidity of the supernatant, dry solid content, mean volume diameter and floc size distribution, fractal dimension of the flocs, and zeta potential as a function of flocculant dosage. Comparisons of the characteristics and performance of CPAMs synthesized through different initiation methods were systematically conducted. Flocculation and dewatering test results demonstrated that CPAMs synthesized through microwave and UV initiation had better flocculation performance and dewatering capability than those synthesized through thermal and ultrasonic initiation. All four CPAMs exhibited a similar final floc size distribution but different mean volume diameters and floc structures. The fractal dimension of the flocs and the zeta potential were in the following order: CPAM3 (microwave initiation) > CPAM4 (UV initiation) > CPAM1 (thermal initiation) > CPAM2 (ultrasonic initiation). Discussions on fractal dimension and zeta potential indicated that the electrostatic patches model and adsorption/bridging effect mechanisms played the main role in the formation of sludge flocs. Lastly, microwave and UV initiation were found to be alternative and recommendable initiation methods for the synthesis of CPAMs with improved flocculation performance and sludge dewatering capability. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2016 , 133, 44071.     

Elaboration of new tubular ceramic membrane from local Moroccan Perlite for microfiltration process. Application to treatment of industrial wastewaters

In this study, an original microfiltration tubular membrane (M1) made from local Moroccan Perlite was used to treat three wastewater types: effluents coming from beamhouse section of tannery (effluent A), textile effluent coming from jeans washing process (effluent B), and dicing wafer effluent generated by electronic industries (effluent C). The prepared membrane is composed of two layers of Perlite with two different granulometries: a macroporous support with a pore diameter centered near 6.6 μm and porosity of about 42%, and a microfiltration layer, performed by slip casting method, with a mean pore size of 0.27 μm. The water permeability determined of the membrane is 815 L/h m² bar. Tangential microfiltration using Perlite membrane proved to be effective in removing pollutants from the three effluents with almost the same efficiencies than that obtained with a commercial Alumina membrane (M2) with a pore diameter of 0.2 μm and a water permeability of 1022 L/h m² bar. Tangential microfiltration process operated at lower pressure (1 bar) was seen to remove turbidity from the three feeds completely. Perlite membrane allowed significant reduction of Chemical Oxygen Demand COD (50–54%) and Total Kjeldahl Nitrogen TKN (56%) of beamhouse effluent. It showed a significant decrease of COD (54–57%) and a complete discoloration of textile wastewater.     

Effects of Fe(III) on floc characteristics of activated sludge

The effects of Fe(III) on floc characteristics of activated sludge were investigated in nine parallel sequencing batch reactors (SBRs). The results showed that Fe(III) improved the quality of organic matters in the effluent of reactors. Concentrations of Fe(III) up to 23.8 mg dm^?3 decreased suspended solids and turbidity in effluent but overdosage resulted in deterioration of these parameters. Activated sludge floc size measurements indicated that Fe(III) led to a shift in the size distribution from large to small flocs. Concentrations of Fe(III) less than 23.8mg dm^?3 did not significantly change the proportion of larger flocs, but overdosage of Fe(III) markedly decreased the fraction of larger flocs and produced a large number of smaller flocs, which may be responsible for the deterioration of effluent suspended solids and turbidity. Scanning electronic microscopic (SEM) observation suggested high Fe(III) concentrations lead to significant changes in floc morphology and reduction of filamentous microorganisms available for the formation of large aggregates. Copyright © 2005 Society of Chemical Industry     

Treatment of Liming Effluent from Tannery using Membrane Separation Processes

Abstract

A treatment method of liming effluent of a tannery is tested using hybrid membrane separation processes. The effluent after gravity settling and alum coagulation is subjected to ultrafiltration followed by nanofiltration. The optimum alum dose is obtained by analyzing the effluent using various concentrations of alum. The membrane separation processes are conducted in a continuous cross flow mode. The effects of operating conditions e.g., transmembrane pressure difference, and cross flow velocity (Reynolds number) on the permeate flux are analyzed. Effects of change in hydrodynamic conditions in various flow regimes, e.g., laminar, laminar with turbulent promoter, and turbulent flow on flux improvement have been studied. A resistance‐in‐series model for flux decline during the filtration process is proposed. COD, BOD, TDS, TS, pH, Ca²⁺ concentration, Cl^? concentration and conductivity are measured before and after each operation. The potential of the dried sludge as organic fertilizer is also explored.     

Effect of pH Value and Temperatures on Performances of Pd/C Catalysts Prepared by Modified Polyol Process for Formic Acid Electrooxidation

The highly active Pd/C catalysts for formic acid electrooxidation have been prepared by a modified polyol process at different pH values of reaction solutions and different reducing temperatures, respectively. Their physical properties have been characterised by energy dispersive analysis of X‐ray, X‐ray diffraction and transmission electron microscopy. Their electrochemical performances for formic acid electrooxidation have been tested by cyclic voltammetry and amperometric i–t curves. The results of physical characterisations show that all the Pd/C catalysts present an excellent face centered cubic crystalline structure. Their particle sizes are decreasing firstly and then increasing with the increasing of the pH values of reaction solutions. The reducing temperatures also markedly affect the Pd particle sizes. And their nanoparticles have narrow size distributions and are highly dispersed on the surface of carbon support, and Pd metal loading in Pd/C catalyst is similar to the theoretical value of 20 wt.%. The results of electrochemical measurements present that the Pd/C catalyst prepared by waterless polyol process at the pH value of 10 and the reducing temperature of 120 °C has the smallest particle size of about 5.6 nm, and exhibits the highest catalytic activity (1172.0 A · g_Pd<?h‐2.85>^–1<?h.8>) and stability for formic acid electrooxidation.     

Ni(ll) biosorption by Rhizopus arrhizus Env 3: the study of important parameters in biomass biosorption

BACKGROUND: The removal of toxic metals from wastewaters by biosorption, based on the metal‐binding capacities of various biological materials, has attracted much interest. However, the success of this approach depends on economic feasibility, which can be obtained by optimisation of the environmental conditions. In this study, Ni(II) biosorption experiments were carried out using a preformed biomass of Rhizopus arrhizus. A pure culture of previously isolated R. arrhizus Env 3 was used for maximum biosorption of nickel metal from nickel‐electroplating industrial effluent. RESULTS: Various environmental factors such as nickel concentration, pH, temperature, mycelial pellet weight, pretreatment of fungal biomass, dead and living fungal biomass and time course of biosorption by R. arrhizus Env 3 were optimised for maximum removal of nickel from the effluent. The maximum nickel removal rate of 618.5 mg g^?1 was observed with living biomass at pH 8, temperature 35 °C, nickel concentration 500 mg L^?1, pellet size 3 g wet weight and shaker velocity 150 rpm. Maximum nickel biosorption was obtained after 72 h. CONCLUSION: Statistical analysis of different factors such as temperature, pH, mycelial pellet size, concentration of nickel in effluent and residual nickel level showed that all these factors had significant effects on the biosorption of nickel metal by R. arrhizus Env 3 from nickel‐electroplating industrial effluent. Copyright © 2008 Society of Chemical Industry     

Synthesis and characterization of poly(hydroxamic acid) chelating resin from poly(methyl acrylate)‐grafted sago starch

A new chelating ion‐exchange resin containing the hydroxamic acid functional group was synthesized from poly(methyl acrylate) (PMA)‐grafted sago starch. The PMA grafted copolymer was obtained by a free‐radical initiating process in which ceric ammonium nitrate was used as an initiator. Conversion of the ester groups of the PMA‐grafted copolymer into hydroxamic acid was carried out by treatment of an ester with hydroxylamine in an alkaline solution. The characterization of the poly(hydroxamic acid) chelating resin was performed by FTIR spectroscopy, TG, and DSC analyses. The hydroxamic acid functional group was identified by infrared spectroscopy. The chelating behavior of the prepared resin toward some metal ions was investigated using a batch technique. The binding capacities of copper, iron, chromium, and nickel were excellent and the copper capacity was maximum (3.46 mmol g⁻¹) at pH 6. The rate of exchange of the copper ion was very fast that is, t_1/2 < 5 min. It was also observed that the metal ion‐sorption capacities of the resin were pH‐dependent and its selectivity toward the metal ions used is in the following order: Cu²⁺ > Fe³⁺ > Cr³⁺ > Ni²⁺ > Co²⁺ > Zn²⁺ > Cd²⁺ > As³⁺ > Pb²⁺. © 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 79: 1256–1264, 2001     

Analysis of the Activated Sludge Process in an MBR under Starvation Conditions

An aerobic membrane bioreactor (MBR) at complete biomass retention was studied over a period of time under starvation conditions. Kinetic parameters were determined in a no‐feed batch test. The decay rate of activated sludge, k_d = 0.05 d^–1, was determined by tracking the decrease of MLSS. The ratio of MLVSS/MLSS was in the range 0.76–0.85. The pH values were between 7.02 and 8.23. As a function of different initial concentrations of MLSS, specific nitrification rates q_N, decreased from 4.23 to 0.02 mg‐N/(g MLVSS d) and specific biodegradation rates q_b increased from 0.23 to 1.90 mg‐COD/(g MLVSS d). From experimental data the kinetic constants for respiration, which followed Monod kinetics, were determined as q_O2max = 9.8 mg‐O₂/(g MLVSS h), K_x = 2.9 g/dm³. Additionally, a linear correlation between MLSS and mean floc size was found to exist during the biodegradation process.     

Modeling spatial distribution of floc size in turbulent processes using the quadrature method of moment and computational fluid dynamics

A study was performed that utilizes the quadrature method of moments (QMOM) to model the transient spatial evolution of the floc size in a heterogeneous turbulent stirred reactor. The QMOM approach was combined with a commercial computational fluid dynamics (CFD) code (PHOENICS), which was used to simulate the turbulent flow and transport of these aggregates in the reactor. The CFD/QMOM model was applied to a 28 l square reactor containing an axial flow impeller and 100 mg/l concentration of 1 μm nominal clay particles. Simulations were performed for different average characteristic velocity gradients (40,70,90, and 150 s^-1). The average floc size and growth rate were compared with experimental measurements performed in the bulk region and the impeller discharge region. The CFD/QMOM results confirmed the experimentally measured spatial heterogeneity in the floc size and growth rate. In addition, the model predicts spatial variations in the aggregation and breakup rates. Finally, the model also predicts that the transport of flocs into the high shear impeller discharge zone was responsible for the transient evolution of the average floc size curve displaying a maximum before decreasing to a steady-state floc size.     

Comparative sorption kinetic studies of phenolic compounds on fly ash and impregnated fly ash

The factors affecting the rate processes involved in the removal of phenolic compounds, e.g. initial phenol concentration, particle size, impregnation of fly ash (IFA), pH and temperature have been studied. The removal rate of phenols varied in the order p-nitrophenol m-nitrophenol > o-nitrophenol > p-cresol > phenol > m-cresol > o-cresol. The process followed first order rate kinetics. The sorption data generally fit the Lagergren equation and the intraparticle diffusion rate equation from which adsorption rate constants, diffusion rate constants and diffusion coefficients were determined. Intraparticle diffusion was found to be the rate-limiting step. These kinetic parameters were compared for various phenols under different conditions using fly ash (FA) and impregnated fly ash (IFA).     

Synthesis,Characterization, and swelling behaviors of acrylic acid/carboxymethyl cellulose superabsorbent hydrogel by glow‐discharge electrolysis plasma

This article exploits a new approach for synthesis of acrylic acid/carboxymethyl cellulose (AA/CMC) superabsorbent hydrogel in aqueous solution by a simple one‐step using glow‐discharge electrolysis plasma, in which N,N′‐methylenebisacrylamide (MBA) was used as a crosslinking agent. The reaction parameters affecting the equilibrium swelling, that is, discharge voltage, discharge time, mass ratio of AA to CMC, content of crosslinker, and degree of neutralization, were systematically optimized to achieve a superabsorbent hydrogel with a maximum equilibrium swelling. The structure, thermal stability, and morphology of AA/CMC superabsorbent hydrogel were characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X‐ray diffraction analysis, thermogravimetric analysis, and scanning electron microscopy. The swelling kinetics in distilled water and swelling behaviors in various pH solutions and salts solutions (NaCl, KCl, MgCl₂, CaCl₂, AlCl₃, and FeCl₃) were investigated in detail. The effect of six cationic salt solutions on the equilibrium swelling had the following order K⁺ > Na⁺ > Mg²⁺ > Ca²⁺ > Al³⁺ > Fe³⁺. In addition, the pH‐reversibility was preliminarily investigated with alternating pH between 6.5 and 2.0. The results showed that the equilibrium swelling of AA/CMC was achieved in 90 min. The hydrogel was responsive to the pH and salts, and was reversible swelling and deswelling behavior. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 54:2310–2320, 2014. © 2013 Society of Plastics Engineers     

The stability of sodium hypochlorite in the presence of surfactants

Studies were made on the stability of NaOCl at 40°C in the presence of sodium alkanesulfonate or alkylarenesulfonate anionic surfactants, and in the presence of a nonionic surfactant,N-octylpyrrolidinone. The results were compared with NaOCl stability in the absence of additives and in the presence of nonsurfactant short-chain sodium alkylbenzenesulfonates. The data indicated that the rate of NaOCl loss is greatly dependent upon the pH of the solution, even at alkaline pHs. At initial pHs below 11, in the absence of additive, there is significant disproportionation of OCl⁻ to ClO ₃ ⁻ , accompanied by decrease in the pH of the solution, within a period of several days. Even at an initial pH of 11.3, in the presence of the surfactants investigated, there is significant disproportionation of OCl⁻ and decrease in the pH of the solution in the first several days. When the initial pH of the solution is 13.5, there is no significant decrease in pH of the solution for at least two months in the presence of the surfactants studied. NaOCl stability in the presence of surfactant decreases in the order: sodium linear alkanesulfonate > sodium linear alkyldiphenylethersulfonate > sodium linear alkylbenzenesulfonate >>N-octylpyrrolidinone. Stability was greater in the presence of linear alkylarenesulfonates than in the presence of branched alkylarenesulfonates. It is suggested that the differences in stability observed are due to the greater ease of oxidation of tertiary carbon atoms compared to primary or secondary atoms.     

Trivalent chromium removal from tannery effluent using kaolin‐supported bacterial biofilm of Bacillus sp isolated from chromium polluted soil

BACKGROUND: Bacterial strains belonging to the genus Bacillus, isolated from Cr‐ polluted soil (tannery sludge) were employed as consortium for Cr(III) removal from tannery effluents. Kaolin clay, a natural adsorbent, was used as supporting material for bacterial biofilm formation. The use of clay‐supported bacterial biofilm has not previously been employed for the treatment of tannery effluents containing Cr(III) salt. RESULTS: Commercial tannery effluent containing 1000 ppm initial metal ion concentration was treated in stages. The initial Cr(III) concentration of 1000 ppm was brought down to 2 ppm, a permissible level for discharge, after the fourth stage. The bacterial isolates were found to be Bacillus subtilis VITSCCr01 and Bacillus cereus VITSCCr02 by 16s rRNA gene sequencing. Batch assay and confocal laser scanning microscopy results revealed the role of kaolin as a support material in biofilm formation. Best fit was obtained with the Freundlich adsorption isotherm. The mechanism of sorption was confirmed by Fourier transform infrared (FT‐IR) spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy–energy dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy (SEM‐EDS). CONCLUSION: Cr(III) removal from tannery effluent using low cost adsorbents such as kaolin and bacteria proved to be effective for metal concentrations ?1000 ppm; this is normally not possible using conventional treatment methods. This work has demonstrated feasible sorption of Cr(III), especially during post‐tanning operations. Copyright © 2011 Society of Chemical Industry     

Cadmium removal from aqueous solutions using biosorbent <Emphasis Type="Italic">Syzygium cumini</Emphasis> leaf powder: Kinetic and equilibrium studies

Syzygium cumini L. leaf powder and Cd(II) loaded samples were characterized using FTIR and SEM techniques. The biosorption of cadmium ions from aqueous solution was studied in a batch adsorption system as a function of pH, contact time, adsorbate, adsorbent, anion and cation concentrations. The biosorption capacities and rates of transfer of cadmium ions onto S. cumini L. were evaluated. The kinetics could be best described by both linear and nonlinear pseudo-second order models. The isothermic data fitted to various models in the order Freundlich>Redlich-Peterson>Langmuir>Temkin. The maximum adsorption capacity of S. cumini L. leaves at room temperature was estimated to be 34.54 mg g⁻¹. The negative values of ΔG⁰ indicated the feasibility of the adsorption process. The endothermic nature was confirmed by the positive value of the enthalpy change (ΔH⁰=3.7 kJ mol⁻¹). The positive value of entropy change (ΔS⁰=16.87 J mol⁻¹ K⁻¹) depicted internal structural changes during the adsorption process.     

Pentavalent vanadium ion–cellulose thiocarbonate redox-system induced grafting of methyl methacrylate and other vinyl monomers onto cotton fabric

Cellulose thiocarbonate was prepared by reacting cotton cellulose fabric with carbon disulphide in the presence of sodium hydroxide. The treated fabric formed, with pentavalent vanadium ion, an effective redox system capable of initiating grafting of methyl methacrylate (MMA) and other monomers no+o the cotton fabric. The dependence of grafting on vanadium concentration, pH of the polymerization medium, temperature and duration of grafting, nature and concentration of monomer, and solvent/water ratio was studied. The results indicated that increasing the pentavalent vanadium (V^v) concentration up to 60 mmol/L was accompanied by enhancement in the rate of grafting; the latter was not affected by further increase in V^v concentration. Maximum grafting yield was achieved at pH 2; grafting fell greatly at higher pH. The rate of grafting followed the order: 70° > 60° > 50°C. The graft yield increased significantly by increasing the MMA concentration from 0.5 to 5%. Of the solvents studied, n-propanol and isopropanol enhanced the grafting rate provided that a solvent/water ratio of 5 : 95 was used; a higher solvent ratio decreased the magnitude of grafting. Other solvents, namely, methanol, ethanol, n-butanol, and acetone, in any proportion, decreased the rate of grafting. With the monomer used, the graft yield followed the order: methyl methacrylate > methyl acrylate > methacrylic acid > ethyl methacrylate > acrylic acid. Also reported was a tentative mechanism for vinyl-graft copolymerization onto cotton fabric using cellulose thiocarbonate-V^v. © 1993 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.