CROSS-LINKED COPOLYMERS OF CYANOETHYLATED CELLULOSE

Two new cellulose copolymers have been developed by crosslinking cyano ethylated cellulose with reactive monomers or prepolymers of step-grow th polymers such as polyurethane and polysiloxane. Both copolymers for med compatible transparent films at 50% loading of step-growth polymer s. The films possess high impact resistance, water repellency and ther mostability at 150 degrees C for over 15 hr without weight loss. The k inetic parameters of crosslinking, such as conversion versus time and temperature, heat of reaction (Delta H), activation energy (Delta E), and reaction order (n), have been investigated. The morphology of the fractured surfaces of the films as revealed by SEM is also discussed.