| Abstract: | Acrylamide monomer (AAm) was grafted onto poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC) films using γ‐radiation to produce high performance functional membranes which can be employed as ion‐exchangers. The preparation and characterization of the synthetic membranes are investigated. To elucidate their possible applications, some selected properties have been studied. In addition, thermal properties have been studied using thermogravimetric analysis and differential scanning calorimetry; X‐ray diffraction has been used to determine changes in polymer morphology. The selectivity of such membranes towards different radionuclides has also been investigated. On the basis of these investigations, the applicability of the prepared membranes is determined and discussed. The prepared PVC‐g‐PAAm has a great tendency to remove 60Co from a radioactive liquid waste containing both 60Co and 137Cs. © 2002 Society of Chemical Industry |
