A Study on Polycaprolactone / FE3O4 Nanoparticle Composite As Heavy Metals Removal

Selvarajah, Rita (2026) A Study on Polycaprolactone / FE3O4 Nanoparticle Composite As Heavy Metals Removal. Final Year Project (Bachelor), Tunku Abdul Rahman University of Management and Technology.

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Abstract

A novel adsorbent, polycaprolactone (PCL)/Fe3O4 nanoparticle composite, was successfully synthesized to remove Pb(II) ions from water. The composite was created by integrating Fe3O4 nanoparticles into a biodegradable PCL matrix to improve adsorption performance and providing structural stability. The composite was characterized using Fourier-Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) to identify functional groups and confirm successful integration of Fe3O4 nanoparticles into the polymer matrix. Batch adsorption experiments were conducted under controlled settings to explore the effects of adsorbent dosage, initial Pb(II) concentration, pH and contact time. The adsorption data were examined using kinetic and isotherm models. The adsorption of Pb(II) ions by PCL/Fe3O4 composite followed the pseudo-second-order kinetic model and fit well with the Langmuir isotherm model, showing chemisorption played a major role in the process. The negative surface charge of the composite at experimental pH settings favoured electrostatic interaction between Pb(II) ions and the functional groups on its surface. Adsorption mechanisms may include electrostatic attraction, coordination with functional groups and surface complexation enhanced by Fe3O4 nanoparticles. Overall, the results show that the PCL/Fe3O4 nanoparticle combination is an effective and reusable adsorbent for Pb(II) removal. The study emphasizes its potential use in wastewater treatment as a low-cost, ecologically environmentally friendly material for heavy metal remediation.