| Abstract: | The effect of different reaction conditions on the grafting of methyl methacrylate (MMA) onto guar gum (GG) has been studied in detail. The grafting efficiency was optimal under the following conditions: MMA at 1.13 mol/L; ceric ammonium sulfate at 6.32 × 10?3 mol/L; dextrose monohydrate at 2.428 × 10?3 mol/L; GG at 4 g/L; temperature at 50°C; and time at 210 min. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy was used for the confirmation of copolymer formation. Thermogravimetric analysis of GG and a representative graft copolymer were studied. A probable mechanism of grafting has been suggested. The biodegradability of the resulted copolymer was evaluated. © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 82: 3520–3525, 2001 |
