Synthesis and characterization of poly(acrylamide-co-sodium and acrylate) hydrogel with atomic transfer radical polymerization - ATRP for study of swelling kinetic

• Grant number: 19/21649-1
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships abroad - Research Internship - Master's degree
• Start date: January 17, 2020
• End date: July 16, 2020
• Field of knowledge: Engineering - Chemical Engineering - Chemical Process Industries
• Principal Investigator: Maria Regina Wolf Maciel
• Grantee: Fernanda Brito dos Santos
• Supervisor: Michael Kc Tam
• Host Institution: Faculdade de Engenharia Química (FEQ). Universidade Estadual de Campinas (UNICAMP). Campinas , SP, Brazil
• Institution abroad: University of Waterloo, Canada
• Associated to the scholarship: 18/16269-2 - Development of beds of hydrogel for remotion of water from liquid fuels, BP.MS

Abstract

Water is always present in liquid fuels in three different forms: soluble, free, or emulsified, which can considerably impair fuel quality for the development of microorganisms. These organisms contribute to the generation of sludge, the increase of turbidity, and the corrosion of tanks and mechanical components of motor vehicles. In this context, this project proposes the synthesis of a nanocomposite hydrogel formed of poly(acrylamide-co-sodium acrylate) and nanocellulose for future removal of water from liquid fuels. The nanocomposite hydrogel will be synthesized by atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP). A complete factorial design (22 with 03 central points) will evaluate the influence of the mass change of acrylamide and nanocellulose on the hydrogel concerning maximum swelling and equilibrium time. The determination of the physical and chemical properties of the hydrogel will use the following analysis: FTIR (Fourier-Transform Infrared Spectroscopy), SEM (Scanning Electron Microscopy), DSC (Differential Scanning Calorimetry), TEM (Transmission Electron Microscopy), TGA (Thermogravimetric Analysis), and NMR (Nuclear Magnetic Resonance). The produced nanocomposite hydrogel is expected to be effective in removing water from liquid fuels, being applicable over a wide range of water concentration. (AU)