The objective of this study is to demonstrate the feasibility of using esterified derivatives of corncobs to clean back condensates from high-pressure industrial boilers. Copper ions were retained by these modified natural polymers based within working pH and temperature conditions even at very low concentrations as 10(-12) mol/L. Acrylamide polymers or derivatives were not successful for such applications. The influence of granulometry of crude corncobs and temperature on copper retention was first studied using UV spectroscopic and voltametry techniques. Then esterified derivatives were considered and succinic anhydride derivatives of corncobs are demonstrated to be more efficient than the maleic anhydride derivatives. (c) 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.