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Published on: October 29, 2013
Development of functionalized cellulosic biopolymers by graft copolymerization
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.
International Journal of Biological Macromolecules
|September 3, 2013
Summary
This study modified natural lignocellulosic biopolymers with acrylate monomers to improve water resistance. Graft copolymerization enhanced properties, making them suitable for eco-friendly green composite applications.
Area of Science:
- Polymer Science
- Materials Science
- Biomaterials
Background:
- Natural lignocellulosic polymers are eco-friendly and biodegradable, ideal for green composites.
- These polymers exhibit sensitivity to moisture, necessitating modification for broader applications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the graft copolymerization of lignocellulose biopolymers with acrylate monomers.
- To evaluate the impact of reaction parameters on grafting efficiency.
- To assess the improved properties of modified lignocellulose for green composite applications.
Main Methods:
- Graft copolymerization treatment of lignocellulose with acrylate monomers.
- Characterization using Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA), and Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FT-IR).
- Evaluation of swelling and chemical resistance properties.
Main Results:
- Successful graft copolymerization of lignocellulose with acrylate monomers was achieved.
- Reaction parameters were optimized to influence grafting efficiency.
- Grafted biopolymers demonstrated improved swelling and chemical resistance compared to ungrafted counterparts.
Conclusions:
- Acrylate modification effectively enhances the properties of lignocellulosic biopolymers.
- The modified materials show significant potential for use in advanced green composite applications.
- This research contributes to the development of sustainable and high-performance biomaterials.
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