ABSTRACT:Interpenetrating networks (IPNs) based on extracted cellulose and its derivatives such as hydroxypropyl cellulose (HPC), cyanoethylcellulose, hydroxyethylcellulose, hydrazinodeoxycellulose, cellulosephosphate with methacrylamide (MAAm), and N,N-methylene bisacrylamide were synthesized at reaction conditions evaluated for optimum network yield as a function of irradiation dose, concentrations of monomer and crosslinker, and amount of water. These networks were used in sorption of Fe 2ϩ , Cu 2ϩ , and Cr 6ϩ ions. The networks were further functionlized by means of partial hydrolysis with 0.5N NaOH and metal ion sorption studies were carried out. Appreciable amount of all the three ions was sorbed and partial functionalization of the hydrogels results in selectivity in ion sorption with enhanced affinity for Fe 2ϩ ions and total rejection of Cr 6ϩ ions. These results are of interest for the development of low-cost technologies based on smart hydrogels. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 86: 667-671, 2002