Graft copolymerization of methyl acrylate onto cellulose initiated by potassium ditelluratoargentate(III)

Abstract A novel redox system, potassium ditelluratoargentate(III) (DTA)–cellulose, was employed to initiate the graft copolymerization of methyl acrylate onto cellulose in alkali aqueous solution. Grafting parameters, such as total conversion, grafting efficiency and grafting yield, were evaluated comparatively. The dependence of these parameters on temperature, reaction time, initiator concentration and ratio of monomer to cellulose was also investigated. Graft copolymers with high grafting parameters were obtained, which indicated that the DTA–cellulose redox pair is an efficient initiator for cellulose grafting. The proof of grafting was obtained from gravimetric analysis and infrared spectra. A tentative mechanism involving a two‐step single‐electron‐transfer process of DTA is proposed to explain the generation of radicals and initiation. Thermogravimetry, X‐ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy were also carried out to study the thermal stability, crystallinity and morphology of the grafted copolymers. Copyright © 2004 Society of Chemical Industry