| Abstract: | Graft copolymerization of methyl methacrylate initiated by ceric ion in aqueous medium on bleached holocellulose was studied at 29°C. It was found that an increase in the concentration of ceric ion and oxidation of the holocellulose with aqueous potassium dichromate solution resulted in increased levels of incorporation of poly(methyl methacrylate) graft copolymer, but were associated with reductions in the efficiency of grafting. Thiol groups were introduced on the holocellulose by treatment with dilute thioglycollic acid solutions at 29°C. The influence on the level of grafting and on the molecular weight of the grafted polymer by the incorporated thiol groups on the substrate was examined. |
