Graft copolymerization of vinyl monomers on modified cottons,XXI. Cu++/hydrazine hydrate redox system induced grafting of methyl methacrylate on periodate oxidized cellulose

Periodate oxidized cellulose was grafted with methyl methacrylate using hydrazine hydrate in presence and absence of Cu⁺⁺. The grafting reaction was favoured in presence of Cu⁺⁺ and it was advantageous to treat first the cellulose material with copper sulphate solution rather than to incorporate it in the polymerization system. The graft yields depended upon the concentrations of copper sulphate and hydrazine hydrate, pH, temperature, and time of polymerization as well as degree of oxidation of cellulose. There were optimal concentrations of copper sulphate (6–8 mmol/l) and hydrazine hydrate (2 mmol/l). A polymerization medium of pH 6 and a temperature of 60°C constituted to optimal pH and temperature for grafting. Oxidized cellulose proved to be more amenable to grafting as compared with unoxidized cellulose and the magnitude of grafting relied on the degree of oxidation. A tentative mechanism was also suggested for grafting of cellulose substrates with a vinyl monomer using a Cu⁺⁺-hydrazine hydrate redox system.