Effect of wavelength region on photo‐induced graft copolymerization onto cellulose

Abstract

SynopsisThe effect. of wavelength region of ultraviolet. light. was examined 011 the nnserisitized photo-induced graft, copolymerization of methyl methacrylate onto cellulose. When the quartz t,ube system was compared to the glass tube system, t.here was no induction period of copolymerization, the rate of reaction was a litt,le larger, the homopolymerization of met,hyl methacrylate was increased causing interference wit,h graft copolymerization, and the depolymerization of grafts and the scission reaction of cellulose chains occurred easily. The number of graft.s was hardly improved by varying the react,ion conditions, and the copolymers obtained generally exhibited low per cent grafting and contained grafts with lower degree of polymerization.