This paper represents a simple method for preparing and characterizing of low-cost ion exchangers of sulfonated carbon prepared from Terminalia Chebula-Retz., (family-combretaceae) as a source of cheap plant material blended with phenol-formaldehyde as a crosslinking agent. The prepared ion exchange resins (IERs) are characterized by infrared (IR) spectral and thermal studies. All the important physicochemical properties of the ion exchangers have been determined. The synthesized resins have cation exchange capacity up to 1.84 mmol g(-1). The rational thermodynamic equilibrium constant (In K) are calculated for H+ and Zn2+ exchanges on the resin having various amount of sulfonated Terminalia Chebula Retz. carbon (STCC). The thermodynamic parameters were calculated, and suitable explanations are given. It is concluded from the present study that PFR sample could be blended with 20% (w/w) of STCC, without affecting its physicochemical, spectral, and thermal properties. Hence blending with STCC will definitely lower the cost of the ion exchange resin. (c) 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.