| Abstract: | The graft copolymerization of methyl methacrylate (MMA) onto chitosan was tried via a new protection‐graft‐deprotection procedure. Because the intermediate phthaloylchitosan was soluble in organic solvents, the graft copolymerization was carried out in a homogeneous system. Grafting was initiated by γ‐irradiation. The graft percentage extent was dependent on the irradiation dose and the concentration of MMA monomer, and copolymers with grafting above 100 % were readily prepared. The graft copolymers exhibited a high affinity not only for aqueous acid but also for some organic solvents. Differential scanning calorimetry measurements revealed the presence of a glass transition phenomenon, which could be ascribed to the poly(methyl methacrylate) side‐chains. Copyright © 2004 Society of Chemical Industry |
