Synthesis of a new crosslinked Poly-Bisphenol A Diglycidyl Ether (Poly-BADGE) as a carrier in Phenol transport

A new crosslinked poly-bisphenol A diglycidyl ether (poly-BADGE) has been synthesized from polyeugenol and bisphenol A diglycidyl ether by crosslinking them in dioxane under an alkaline condition. The product was characterized using fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), thermogravimetry-differential thermal analysis (TG-DTA), and elemental analysis. FTIR analysis of poly-BADGE showed the loss of the typical vinyl group of eugenol (n 995 cm-1), whereas TG-DTA showed temperature differences between the product (poly-BADGE) and the control compound (polyeugenol) at T5%, T20%, T50% and Tmax. The product was then tested for its capability as a carrier compound in phenol transport using the polymer inclusion membrane (PIM) method. The stability of the PIM membrane towards NaOH was evaluated using FTIR and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The study shows that membranes containing poly-BADGE have great ability and stability to transport phenol; therefore, they may be used as efficient phenol carriers.