by donnahardy2 » Mon Nov 26, 2012 9:42 am
Hi Varun,
I apologize for not explaining the chemistry in more detail.
The two links describe typical weakly basic anion exchange resins. These products are ion exchange resins composed of a plastic bead with tertiary amino functional groups covalently attached to the resin matrix. If this resin is washed with a solution with a pH above 7, the functional group will be uncharged (free amine, NH2).
When acid is passed over the resin, the pH is lowered and the resin will absorb hydrogen ions from the resin. The resin now has a positive charge, which requires an anion to balance the positive charge, so the anionic component of the acid will also be absorbed onto the resin. The anion that associates with the positive charge on the resin is called the counterion. So the resin will absorb acids from the sample.
The capacity of anion exchange resins is typically 1 mM of acid per mL of resin. If you know how much acid is being released from the incinerator, then you will know how long a specific volume of resin will last in operation.
Let me know if you need additional explanation.
I don't know exactly what you can do for your science project. This is something that you have to choose on your own, based on what you can do. The links that I have posted on this topic have included a number of problems on your subject that would be suitable for a project. However, there is a problem because these samples are potentially toxic.
I know that you want to do a project that is low in cost. What equipment do you have available at your school to work with? Do you have a suitable location where it would be safe to actually do incineration experiments? With all of the research papers you have read, is there one problem that you are interested in working on? Incomplete incineration of plastics? Removal of acid from the emitted gasses? Go back and look at the ideas that we have covered here and let me know what idea appeals to you most. I will be happy to make additional suggestions.
Donna Hardy