Homogeneous Graft Copolymerization of Cellulose Using an Ionic Liquid as a Reaction Medium

The homogeneous graft copolymerization of acrylic acid (AA) onto cellulose (CE) using 1-butyl-3-methylinidazolium chloride ionic liquid ([Bmim]Cl) as reaction medium was studied. The effect of various reaction parameters on grafting efficiency, such as monomer concentration, initiator dosage, reaction time and reaction temperature was evaluated. The result showed that the optimum conditions are as follows: the mass ratio of monomer to cellulose 4:1, initiator to cellulose 1:10, reaction temperature, 60℃, reaction time, 2h. The grafting efficiency can reach 96.7% under the optimum conditions. Moreover, the structure of the copolymer was characterized by IR.