Published Paper Details:

Multifunctional collagenic proteins (MCPs), one of the most frequently generated hazardous leather wastes, are not properly recycled despite having multiple organic functionalities, such as =N-, =NH, >NH, and -NH2, because of their particulate appearance. To overcome this problem, MCPs have been internalized herein within the microstructure of starch-grafted-pentapolymer, i.e., starch-g-[itaconic acid (IA)-co-N-((3-(isopropylamino)-3-oxopropoxy)methyl)butyramide (NIPAOPMB)-co-N-(Hydroxymethyl)acrylamide (NHMA)-co-N-(3-((hydroxymethyl)amino)-3-oxopropyl)-N-isopropylbutyramide (NHMAONIB)-co-N-isopropylacrylamide (NIPA)], to obtain a novel multifunctional hybrid Collagen-Polymer Composite, i.e., CPC. Here, the synthesis has been carried out through concerted-step polymerization of MCP, starch, and synthetic monomers, i.e., IA, NHMA, and NIPA, and in situ N-C/ O-C coupled strategic allocation of fourth and fifth comonomers, i.e., NIPAOPMB and NHMAONIB. Structures of CPC and metal-ion adsorbed CPC; grafting of starch; MCP-internalization; and superficial characterization have been analyzed by NMR, FTIR, XPS, and SEM. The as-obtained CPC has not only exhibited the extraordinary adsorption capacity towards Pb(II) and AsO43- at the working pH of 7 and 4, respectively, but has also provided an avenue for treating waste effluents of industries by using industrial solid wastes. This project will ensure liquid waste treatment of industries by using solid industrial wastes, hence will contribute significantly towards minimizing investments for reducing environmental pollution.