Investigations on the interactions between plutonium and synthetic water-soluble polymers

The interactions between Pu(IV) and Pu(VI), respectively, and some syntheti c water-soluble polymers were investigated by absorption spectroscopy and u ltrafiltration. Depending on the type of polymer plutonium can be bound by different mechanisms. Poly(acrylic acid) binds Pu(IV) and Pu(VI) by stepwis e complexation, which can be observed by absorption spectroscopy. Due to ch elation, some of the formation constants are greater than those from corres ponding complexes with low-molecular carboxylic acids. By poly(styrenesulfo nic acid) and poly(vinylesulfonic acid), Pu(IV) is bound via counterion con densation. In nitrate and chloride media, anionic Pu(IV) complexes may be b ound by quaternary ammonium polymers like poly(diallydimethylammonium chlor ide) and permethylated poly(ethyleneimine).