GRAFTING OF METHYL ACRYLATE ONTO CELLULOSE BY CERIC ION

Methyl acrylate was grafted onto dissolving pulp by ceric ion in aqueous sulfuric acid under oxygen-free argon. At a low Ce(IV) concentration (up to 1 mmol/L), the rate of polymerization (Rp) is proportional to [Ce]0.5[MA]1 [cellulose]1. At higher concentrations of ceric ion (1-20 mmol/L), Rp is proportional to [Ce]0[M]1.5 [cellulose]1. The mechanism of grafting is consistent with a kinetic scheme involving initiation by primary radicals and termination by growing polymer radicals. Above 20 mmol/L of ceric salt, the data are consistenet with the linear termination mode.