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Graft copolymers from cellulose: synthesis, characterization and evaluation.
Vijay Kumar Thakur1, Manju Kumari Thakur, Raju Kumar Gupta
1Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Iowa State University of Science and Technology, Ames, IA 50011, USA. vijayisu@hotmail.com
Carbohydrate Polymers
|June 18, 2013
Summary
This study synthesized cellulose-graft-poly(butyl acrylate) copolymers using microwave irradiation. The resulting graft copolymers exhibit enhanced moisture, chemical, and thermal resistance, improving their material properties.
Area of Science:
- Polymer Science
- Materials Science
- Organic Chemistry
Background:
- Cellulose is a versatile biopolymer with applications in biosorption, biomedical fields, packaging, biofiltration, and biocomposites.
- Developing modified cellulosic materials with enhanced properties is crucial for expanding their industrial utility.
Purpose of the Study:
- To synthesize cellulose-graft-poly(butyl acrylate) copolymers.
- To optimize the grafting process using microwave irradiation.
- To evaluate the impact of grafting on the physico-chemical properties of cellulose.
Main Methods:
- Copolymer synthesis via microwave-assisted grafting.
- Optimization of reaction parameters and microwave radiation doses.
- Characterization using Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FT-IR), Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA), and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM).
Main Results:
- The chemical reaction between cellulose and poly(butyl acrylate) was confirmed by FT-IR.
- Thermogravimetric analysis indicated improved thermal stability of the grafted copolymers.
- Scanning Electron Microscopy revealed changes in surface morphology after grafting.
- The graft copolymers demonstrated enhanced resistance to moisture, chemicals, and heat.
Conclusions:
- Microwave-assisted grafting is an effective method for synthesizing cellulose-graft-poly(butyl acrylate) copolymers.
- The synthesized graft copolymers exhibit superior physico-chemical properties compared to native cellulose.
- These enhanced properties make the graft copolymers suitable for advanced material applications.
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