Polymer Modifications (Grafting): Approach to Enhance Versatility of Natural/Renewable Polymeric Materials

Abstract

Graft copolymers are branched copolymers containing a long chain of one monomer called preformed or backbone polymer and branches/grafts of long sequences of usually another monomer. A number of monomeric units can be grafted on the biopolymeric backbone by free radical graft copolymerization reaction using chemical free radical initiator to produce reactive sites on the backbone of biopolymer. The chemical combination of natural and synthetic polymers yields new materials which could have desirable properties. Grafting is one of the best polymer modification techniques to enhance the compatibility between natural and synthetic polymers. Water is used as a solvent in most of the grafting reactions, as many natural polymers are soluble in water. This review highlights different synthesis techniques, recent applications of chemically modified grafted polysaccharides/polypeptides and discusses the underlying mechanisms of grafting.

Cite this Article

Sweta Sinha. Polymer Modifications (Grafting): Approach to Enhance Versatility of Natural/Renewable Polymeric Materials. Journal of Modern Chemistry & Chemical Technology. 2017; 8(3): 24–32p.