Radiation-induced reactions with cellulose. V. Mechanism studies of copolymerization with styrene in non-wetting solvents

Abstract

A study is reported of the radiation-induced grafting of the monomers styrene, methyl methacrylate, vinyl acetate, 2- and 4-vinylpyridine to cellulose in solvents of the cellulose non-wetting type. Generally, poor grafting yields were achieved irrespective of the variables such as dose rate, total dose, and monomer concentration. Under certain conditions, an oxygen effect on the grafting reactions was observed. The results have been interpreted in terms of possible radical scavenging reactions, in particular, a charge-transfer theory, and the limited access of the monomer in these solvents to the active sites within the trunk polymer. The inclusion of small amounts of methanol in the solvent is shown to enhance the grafting yields.