Extraction of uranium from acidic solutions by TBP impregnated polyurethane foam

Polyurethane foams can be used as a selective absorbent for a number of substances from dilute aqueous solutions. Absorption of uranium (VI) has been investigated using an open-cell polyurethane foam impregnated with tri-butyl phosphate (TBP). The extraction efficiency was observed to depend on the pH of the uranium solution and the concentration of uranyl ions. Also, the effects of TBP concentration, temperature, and squeezing time on the extraction of uranium were examined.