Polyurethane-pyridylazonaphthol foams in the preconcentration and separation of trace elements

The feasibility of using PAN—polyether and polyester polyurethane foams in batch and column operations has been examined. The effects of pH, plasticizer and various anions present in the aqueous solution on the extraction behaviour of cobalt, iron and manganese have been investigated. In dynamic systems, the effect of flow rate on the extraction efficiencies of these metal ions has been investigated. The uptake of cobalt(III) and manganese(II) on PAN—polyester foam columns is quantitative at flow rates up to 10 ml min^-1 and 2 ml min^-1, respectively. The retention of iron(III) by the foam column is not quantitative even at a flow rate of 1 ml min^-1. Preconcentration of cobalt and its separation from various concentrations of manganese are successful..