LIGHT-INDUCED GRAFT COPOLYMERIZATION OF VINYL MONOMERS TO COLLAGEN BY USE OF BENZOPHENONE AS SENSITIZER

Results of an investigation are presented in which graft copolymerization of methyl methacrylate onto collagen, prepared from the middle corium of buffalo hide, was studied. Graft copolymers obtained were analyzed by using IR spectroscopy. The grafted collagen was colorless, unlike the other dye-sensitized products, and also showed an increase in hydrothermal stability which increased with increasing per cent grafting. This may be attributed to the increase in the hydrophobicity of graft copolymers leading to reduction in water absorbing capacity.