SYNTHESIS OF NOVEL GRAFTED MATERIALS WITH A VIEW TO INDUCING BIODEGRADABILITY INTO DAILY-USE POLYMERS .1.

Twenty polystyrene-g-gelatin samples were synthesised using Ce(IV) as the free radical initiator in order to make biodegradable polystyrene. Recovery of polystyrene from acid hydrolysis of the grafted sample an d the appearance of new bands of gelatin at 3479 cm(-1), 3235 cm(-1), 1060 cm(-1) and 1370 cm(-1) in the IR spectrum of the grafted polystyr ene sample constituted evidence of grafting, which was substantiated b y evidence from C-13 NMR. Thermal studies, X-ray diffraction analysis, spectral analysis, viscosity measurements, and swelling behaviour cha racterised the potentially biodegradable polystyrene samples. A plausi ble mechanism for grafting and the probable structure of the grafted s ample are suggested. Degradation studies are in progress.