Graft copolymerization of methyl methacrylate on holocellulose

✍ Scribed by E. F. Okieimen; K. I. Idehen; H. Ahiedu

• Publisher: John Wiley and Sons
• Year: 1987
• Tongue: English
• Weight: 291 KB
• Volume: 34
• Category: Article
• ISSN: 0021-8995
• DOI: 10.1002/app.1987.070340225

✦ Synopsis

Graft copolymerization of methyl methacrylate initiated by ceric ion in aqueous medium on bleached holocellulose was studied at 29OC. It was found that an increase in the concentration of ceric ion and oxidation of the holocellulase with aqueous potassium &chromate solution resulted in increased levels of incorporation of poly(methy1 methacrylate) graft copolymer, but were associated with reductions in the efficiency of grafting. Thiol groups were introduced on the holocellulose by treatment with dilute thioglycollic acid solutions at 29°C. The influence on the level of grafting and on the molecular weight of the grafted polymer by the incorporated thiol groups on the substrate was examined.

Methods

Commercial methyl methacrylate monomer was extracted with dilute NaOH solution to remove the hydroquinone stabilizer. The monomer was then distilled under reduced pressure. Ceric ammonium nitrate was used without further purification. Holocellulose from Gosweilerodenron balsamiferum was obtained as described previously.16 The holocellulose was steeped in sodium hypochlorite solution for 45 min at 29°C. The bleached holocellulose was then rinsed in a large volume of distilled water and then air-dried. A portion of the *To whom correspondence should be addressed.