Adsorption of Iodine and Bromine by Polyethylene Sulfide Containing Cotton Fabric

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.

Adsorption of Heavy Metal Salts by Cotton Fabrics Containing Polyethylene and Polypropylene Sulfide

“…With PES, the increase was over the whole range, but with PPS at 76°, an unexpected decrease in weight of the fabric was found. This may be due to cleavage of the sulfide linkages which are known to be less stable than PES bonds [8]. In fact, it was reported that mercuric chloride cleaved triphenylmethyl aryl sulfides to produce mercury aryl mercaptides [9] .…”

Adsorption of Silver Nitrate by Cotton Fabrics Containing Polyethylene Sulfide

“…It was shown [5] that polypropylene sulfide grafted on cellulose membrane adsorbed silver nitrate from aqueous solutions. In a previous paper [6] the preparation of high polyethylene sulfide-containing fabrics was described. The polyethylene sulfide was either present as a 9 70 AVNY, GUR-ARIEH, AND ZILKHA graft polymer or as a homopolymer which was formed inside the fabric.…”

“…EXPERIhf ENTAL Cotton fabrics of high polyethylene sulfide content were prepared as previously described [6] . Homopolyethylene sulfide was obtained by polymerizing the monomer with lithium methoxide.…”