Synthesis, characterization and applications of polymethylmethacrylate grafted psyllium as flocculant

Polymethylmethacrylate grafted psyllium (Psy-g-PMMA) was synthesized by microwave assisted method. The grafting of the PMMA chains on the psyllium backbone was confirmed through the study of intrinsic viscosity, FTIR spectroscopy, elemental analysis, SEM and number average molecular weight ( M ¯ n ). The intrinsic viscosity and number average molecular weight ( M ¯ n ) of psyllium appreciably improved on grafting of PMMA chains. Further, flocculation efficacy of the graft copolymer was studied in kaolin suspension through jar test procedure, towards possible application as flocculant.