| Abstract: | The adsorption of iodine and bromine by polyethylene sulfide-containing fabrics was investigated. It was found that the halogens could be adsorbed from aqueous solution as well as from a saturated halogen atmosphere. Adsorption was attributed to complexation by the sulfide bonds in the polymer. Adsorption from aqueous solution led to the formation of a complex with a molar ratio of halogen molecules (X2) to ethylene sulfide units of 1:1, while that from gaseous iodine a ratio of 2 was obtained. Complexation was accompanied by a little degradation of the polysulfide which was attributed to halogenation of the polyethylene sulfide. High adsorption of bromine led to complete degradation of the cotton fabric due to oxidation of the cellulose. The adsorption of polyethylene sulfide in the fabric was much higher than that of homopolyethylene sulfide itself under comparable conditions. |
