The preparation, characterization, and application of cellulose–MMA graft copolymers. I. The aqueous‐based preparation of cellulose–MMA graft copolymers

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Abstract
Cellulose‐MMA graft copolymers have been produced using aqueous‐based, Ce(IV)‐initiated and periodate‐initiated systems and also photochemical initiation. The reaction variables studied include the effect on grafting of varying the MMA monomer concentration, the initiator type and concentration, and also the reaction time. Of the three initiator types examined, the Ce (IV)‐initiated and the photochemically‐initiated systems are comparable in their effects on graft copolymer formation. Concurrent homopolymer formation was in the region of 50% by weight. Periodate‐initiation leads to less efficient grafting of MMA onto cellulose, although homopolymer formation is also lower (typically periodate (−470 esu/cm2) > Ce (IV)‐initiation (−351 esu/cm2). Characterization of carbanilate solutions (by rheological examination) and of dry, carbanilate films (by study of surface wetting behavior) highlighted differences in the physical conformation of copolymers prepared by the different initiation routes. The highly degradative effect on cellulose of a periodate initiator, in comparison with the Ce (IV)‐initiation system, is reflected in significantly reduced molar mass values (typically, Mn 65,000 as opposed to 130,000 for Ce (IV)‐initiated graft copolymer carbanilates).

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