Date of Graduation

1999

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Type

MS

Committee Chair

Richard Turton

Abstract

The performance of N-Halamine polymers in eliminating bacteria from water streams was studied in this research. Numerous experiments were performed to determine the efficacy of both pure N-Halamine polymer and polymer coated on carrier particles to remove Escherichia coli from water streams. The results for this research were inconclusive for a number of reasons. First, the polymer used in this research was not active. It lacked the correct chemical structure to kill bacteria effectively. Additionally, when active polymer was received, insufficient quantities were available to produce viable coated carrier particles. The ability to regenerate the polymer using bleach solutions could not be proven because of an inability to replicate any positive results. The inactive polymer used in this research was studied with infrared spectroscopy scans which showed incorrectly positioned carbonyl peaks. The improper placement of these peaks meant the polymer was not properly chlorinated, making it ineffective. Small batches of active polymer demonstrated correct infrared scans and biocidal activity. The ability to coat polystyrene beads with a pharmaceutical grade binding agent and then the polymer was demonstrated in this research. This binding agent produced uniform coatings on the surface of the carrier particles and provided a point of adhesion for the polymer. The addition of the polymer to the fluidized bed near the end of the coating appears to adhere the polymer near the surface of the carrier particles where it can be effective. With sufficient quantities of active polymer, it should be possible to produce coated carrier particles which will be quite effective in killing bacteria laden water streams.

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