Mechanical degradation and mechanochemical copolymerization of hydroxyethyl cellulose

Ultrasonic degradation of hydroxyethyl cellulose (I-IEC) in aqueous solutio n was investigated. The degradation rate of this polymer was found to follo w the Baramboim kinetic equation. Rate constants and the generating rates o f radicals produced by ultrasonic irradiation were calculated, and the resu lts showed their dependence on polymer concentration. Copolymers of methyl methacrylate/HEC and acrylic acid/HEC were prepared by ultrasound-induced p olymerization. Biodegradability of the resultant polymers was assessed thro ugh enzymatic cellulase degradation tests. The two kinds of copolymers were found to be susceptible to the cellulase degradation. (C) 2000 Elsevier Sc ience Ltd. All rights reserved.