Modification of sulfate lignin with sodium periodate to obtain sorbent of 1,1-dimethylhydrazine

Abstract

Application of the oxidative modification of sulfate kraft lignin with sodium periodate under mild conditions is suggested in order to obtain a sorbent for detoxication of spillage places of rocket fuels based on 1,1-dimethylhydrazine and to purify wastewaters containing this compound. It was found that processing with the periodate at a temperature of 55°C for 20 h results in a more than twofold increase in the content of carbonyl and quinone groups in a lignin preparation and a rise in its polydispersity due to the appearance of a macromolecular condensed fraction and a threefold increase in the sorption capacity for 1,1-dimethylhydrazine. The sorbent can bind 6.7% of 1,1-dimethylhydrazine and substantially surpasses in this parameter other lignin-based sorbents. It was shown that the firm chemical binding of hydrazines hinders desorption of the highly toxic rocket propellant and products of its oxidative transformation from the surface of lignin both into solution and into the vapor phase, thereby providing safe handling of the spent sorbent.