p-Hydroxybenzoic Acid-Urea-Formaldehyde Copolymers and Their Ion-Exchange Properties

Copolymers (PUF) were synthesized by the condensation of p-hydroxybenzoic acid (P), urea (U), and formaldehyde (F), in the presence of different acidic catalysts and using varied molar ratios of reacting monomers. One of the copolymers having the highest molecular weight was fractionated. Copolymer compositions have been determined on the basis of their elemental analysis and conductometric titrations in the nonaqueous phase. Molecular weights (M_n) have been estimated by VPO. Copolymer prepared by using the stoichiometric properties of the monomers and HCI as catalyst furnished the highest molecular weight (M_n). The viscosity measurements carried out in DMF indicate normal behavior. TGA and DSC data were analyzed to compare the relative thermal stability and estimate the characteristic parameters. IR spectra were studied to elucidate the structure. Chelation ion-exchange properties have also been studied employing the batch equilibration method. The order of selectivity of metal ions by the copolymers is UO₂ ²⁺ > Fe³⁺ >Cu²⁺ > Co²⁺.