Amphiphilic copolymer derived from tamarind gum and poly (methyl methacrylate) via ATRP towards selective removal of toxic dyes.

Herein an amphiphilic graft copolymer has been synthesized from tamarind gum and poly (methyl methacrylate) (g-TKP/pMMA) using atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP) in presence of CuBr/bpy catalyst. Structural and surface properties of the copolymer have been investigated using 1 H NMR and FTIR spectra, DLS, TGA and FESEM analyses. The controlled and living nature of polymerization reaction has been explored using GPC analysis, while the gel characteristics of the copolymer has been analysed by rheological study. Finally, the copolymer demonstrates excellent pH triggered selective adsorption efficacy towards removal of toxic cationic/anionic dyes.