Synthesis of Polyeurothane Foam with Iron Oxide Nanoparticles for Arsenic Filtration
Mentor 1
Krishna Pillai
Start Date
1-5-2020 12:00 AM
Description
Groundwater arsenic contamination is a global issue that affects developing countries significantly. 50 parts per billion (ppb) or greater in concentration of arsenic has been linked to adverse health effects including respiratory disease and neurological malformity. The maximum contaminant level for arsenic by the Environmental Protection Agency is 10 ppb. By synthesizing polyeurothane filters with readily accessible nanoparticle additives, a low cost, efficient filter might be built for increased availability and greater understanding of arsenic removal. Based on previous studies with positive correlation of arsenic removal and polyeurothane foam, this experiment will vary the ratios of constituents to determine the most effective nanoparticle distribution. Nanoparticles will be iron oxide primarily due to previous research results. By manipulating the media while it forms, the pore space might be altered to maximize surface area contact with nanoparticles responsible for removal of arsenic. To test varying arsenic removal efficiencies, aqueous arsenic will be passed through filters synthesized and run independently then attempt to replicate this formula for additive manufacturing. To simulate household flow, a pump test system must be developed. Polyeurothane foam will be made using 2,4-toluene diisocyanate (TDI) and polypropylene glycol (PPG). Hydroxyl functional groups on the PPG react with TDI to create polyeurothane, a process that requires time and heat. A previous study by Arundhati Pillai suggest a molar ratio of two to one of TDI to PPG, which will be replicated. To test the efficacy of these filters, the system will be housed in clear PVC pipe to be the size of standard market filters and run through the filtration test system. The automated system includes flow, pH, and pressure sensors to accurately measure breakthrough on this new filter set and compare breakthrough times and removal efficiency against current market filters.
Synthesis of Polyeurothane Foam with Iron Oxide Nanoparticles for Arsenic Filtration
Groundwater arsenic contamination is a global issue that affects developing countries significantly. 50 parts per billion (ppb) or greater in concentration of arsenic has been linked to adverse health effects including respiratory disease and neurological malformity. The maximum contaminant level for arsenic by the Environmental Protection Agency is 10 ppb. By synthesizing polyeurothane filters with readily accessible nanoparticle additives, a low cost, efficient filter might be built for increased availability and greater understanding of arsenic removal. Based on previous studies with positive correlation of arsenic removal and polyeurothane foam, this experiment will vary the ratios of constituents to determine the most effective nanoparticle distribution. Nanoparticles will be iron oxide primarily due to previous research results. By manipulating the media while it forms, the pore space might be altered to maximize surface area contact with nanoparticles responsible for removal of arsenic. To test varying arsenic removal efficiencies, aqueous arsenic will be passed through filters synthesized and run independently then attempt to replicate this formula for additive manufacturing. To simulate household flow, a pump test system must be developed. Polyeurothane foam will be made using 2,4-toluene diisocyanate (TDI) and polypropylene glycol (PPG). Hydroxyl functional groups on the PPG react with TDI to create polyeurothane, a process that requires time and heat. A previous study by Arundhati Pillai suggest a molar ratio of two to one of TDI to PPG, which will be replicated. To test the efficacy of these filters, the system will be housed in clear PVC pipe to be the size of standard market filters and run through the filtration test system. The automated system includes flow, pH, and pressure sensors to accurately measure breakthrough on this new filter set and compare breakthrough times and removal efficiency against current market filters.
