FE2-H2O2 INITIATED GRAFTING OF LIGNOCELLULOSE WITH METHYL-METHACRYLATE AND ITS MECHANISM()

Graft copolymerization of MMA onto bagasse pith, a lignocellulose mate rial, using Fe2+-H2O2 as an initiator was investigated. To examine the behaviors of lignin and holocellulose in graft copolymerization, the grafted poly(methyl methacrylate) chains on lignin and holocellulose w ere separated by delignification with acid chlorite and hydrolysis of holocellulose with 72% sulfuric acid, and their molecular weights were measured. The roles of phenolic hydroxyl, alcoholic hydroxyl, and car bonyl groups are discussed by investigating the effect of pretreatment s of lignocellulose on grafting, and a grafting mechanism is proposed.