Study on the preparation and application of a novel functionalized starch-grafted-APTAC flocculant

Abstract

Flocculation is a key method in wastewater treatment. However, the non-biodegradability of conventional polymer flocculants poses challenges by hindering the dehydration process and extending its duration. Cationic starch-based flocculants, known for their efficiency and biodegradability, show significant potential in sewage treatment. In this paper, a novel functionalized starch-based flocculant (St-g-APTAC) was prepared by grafting and copolymerizing acrylamide and the quaternary ammonium cationic monomer APTAC onto the molecular chain of soluble starch. Its flocculation performance was assessed using actual and simulated wastewater. The results showed that compared to PAM and CPAM, St-g-APTAC required lower dosages while achieving superior flocculation efficiency. Additionally, it exhibited enhanced stability under varying temperature and pH conditions. Specifically, the water content of St-g-APTAC was 4.69% to 10.35% lower than that of PAM and CPAM under similar temperature and pH conditions. In summary, St-g-APTAC is a new type of water treatment flocculant that can effectively treat wastewater with low dosage requirements, over a wide range of temperatures and pH levels, and has the potential for broad application in water treatment.