Graft copolymerization of methyl acrylate onto polyvinyl alcohol using Ce(IV) initiator

The effect of different reaction conditions on the grafting of methyl acryl ate (MA) onto polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) using eerie ammonium sulfate (CAS) in itiator has been studied. The grafting efficiency (GE) was found to be opti mum at revels: MA, 0.55 mol/l; CAS, 6.32 x 10(-3) mol l; PVA, 1.0 g/l; H2SO 4, 0.19 mol/l; temperature, 45 degrees C; and time, 240 min. Acid hydrolysi s and infrared spectroscopy were used for the confirmation of graft copolym er formation. The X-ray diffraction pattern and thermogravimetric analysis of PVA and a representative graft copolymer were studied. A plausible mecha nism of grafting has been suggested. (C) 1999 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rig hts reserved.