Synthesis, characterization and flocculation characteristics of cationic glycogen: A novel polymeric flocculant

Cationic glycogen (Cat Gly) was synthesized by incorporating a cationic moiety N-(3-chloro-2-hydroxypropyl) trimethyl ammonium chloride (CHPTAC) onto the backbone of glycogen, a branched polysaccharide. Five grades of Cat Gly have been synthesized by varying the reaction parameters such as monomer concentration, reaction time, etc. The synthesized products were then characterized by various instrumental techniques like elemental analysis, FTIR spectroscopy, viscometry, etc. The weight average molecular weights (Mw) of glycogen, the best performing cationic glycogen (Cat Gly4) and the commercial flocculants have been determined by SLS analysis using DLS–7000 Super Dynamic Light Scattering Spectrophotometer. From the characterization, it has been concluded that cationic moiety has been inserted onto the glycogen backbone. The flocculation characteristics of these synthesized cationic glycogens were compared with each other and with some of the commercial flocculants available in national and international markets.