Formation of composites between polyvinylimidazole and bentonites and their use for removal of remazol black B from water

Poly(vinyl imidazole) (PVI)–clay (sodium bentonite and calcium bentonite) composites were designed and characterized for the removal of remazol black B (RB) that is an anionic dye water pollutant. The adsorption properties of PVI on bentonite clay particles were investigated and then PVI–clay composites were prepared at the optimum conditions for RB adsorption. X-ray diffraction (XRD) method was used for researching the intercalation behaviors of polymer–clay composites. Besides, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy analyses were carried out in order to identify the interaction mechanisms between PVI and bentonite in the composites.