Summary: Graft copolymerization of EA onto water‐soluble HPMC was carried out using γ‐radiation using both simultaneous and preirradiation in an aqueous medium. The effects of radiation environment, radiation dose, monomer concentration, and reaction temperature on percentage of grafting (G) and grafting efficiency (GE) were investigated. For preirradiation, the observed values for G and GE were higher in air than in a nitrogen atmosphere. G and GE values are obviously higher for preirradiation; their maximum values were obtained for a radiation dose of 1.8 kGy. The grafting parameters increase for increasing monomer concentration up to 0.15 mol · L?1, where they reach their saturation values. In the case of preirradiation, the largest grafting parameters are obtained at 65 °C. The graft copolymers obtained were characterized by FTIR spectroscopy, TEM, SEM, and XRD methods. The method of irradiation significantly affects the mechanical properties of the grafted HPMC samples. Samples prepared by simultaneous irradiation show superior mechanical properties. In addition, the equilibrium humidity adsorption behaviors of the grafted copolymers were also studied, and the humidity resistance behavior of HPMC was enhanced through the grafting copolymerization.
Transmission electron micrograph of the HPMC‐g‐PEA water dispersion.
