| Abstract: | The graft copolymerization of methyl acrylate onto poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) using potassium diperiodatoargentate(III) Ag(III)]–PVA redox system as initiator was studied in an alkaline medium. Some structural features and properties of the graft copolymer were confirmed by Fourier‐transfer infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscope, X‐ray diffraction and thermogravimetric analysis. The grafting parameters were determined as a function of concentrations of monomer, initiator, macromolecular backbone (X?n = 1750, M? = 80 000 g mol?1), reaction temperature and reaction time. A mechanism based on two single‐electron transfer steps is proposed to explain the formation of radicals and the initiation profile. Other acrylate monomers, such as methyl methacrylate, ethyl acrylate and n‐butyl acrylate, were also used to produce graft copolymerizations. It has been confirmed that grafting occurred to some degree. Thermogravimetric analysis was performed in a study of the moisture resistance of the graft copolymer. Copyright © 2004 Society of Chemical Industry |
