| Abstract: | Styrene–divinylbenzene copolymers were synthesized in the presence of di(2-ethylhexyl)phosphonic acid (EHEHPA) to be applied in the separation of rare earths by extraction chromatography. The copolymers were prepared by suspension polymerization in the presence of pure EHEHPA or in a mixture with isooctane, heptane, or toluene. The composition of the diluent mixture employed in the synthesis was varied. The apparent density, fixed pore volume, and surface area of the copolymers were determined. The content of EHEHPA retained in the copolymer beads was also determined, and it was found to be independent of the porous structure of the copolymer matrix. That content was only dependent on the amount of EHEHPA present in the diluent mixture. The toluene/EHEHPA mixtures produced the copolymers with the best properties required for extraction chromatography supports. © 1998 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 67:781–787, 1998 |
