Removal of copper and chromium ions from aqueous solutions using hydrophilic finished textile fabrics

Modified textile fabrics were used to remove Cu+2 and Cr+3 ions from aqueous solutions. For this purpose, modified Nylon-6, polyester woven and knitted fabrics were prepared by means of coating their surface with a layer of aqueous solution of Carboxymethyl Cellulose (CMC) and Acrylic Acid (AAc) of 25 mm constant thickness. Radiation crosslinking of the coating layer was carried out by electron beam irradiation with a constant dose of 30 kGy. The morphology of the coated fabrics was examined by a scanning electron microscope (SEM), which indicated compatibility between the coating layer and fabric. Properties affiliated with hydrophilicity, especially water uptake and weight loss before and after several washing cycles, were determined. The effect of AAc concentration on the hydrophilic properties of the coated fabrics was studied. A considerable enhancement in water uptake was attained for nylon-6 by increasing the AAc content in the solution, followed by polyester woven and polyester knitted fabrics. The performances of the modified textile fabrics were evaluated in terms of the recovery of Cu+2 and Cr+3 from aqueous solution. The metal ion absorption efficiency of the modified textile fabrics was measured by UV-Spectrophotometer analysis and EDX. Parameters affecting the efficiency of these textile fabrics in the removal of metal ions from the aqueous solution, namely the concentration of AAc. and the immersion time, was studied. It was found that there is a marked increase in the recovery of metal ions when both the immersion time and concentration of AAc are increased. The results obtained showed that there is a good possibility of using such modified textile fabrics for the removal of some heavy metals, such as Cu and Cr.