GRAFT-POLYMERIZATION OF ACRYLAMIDE ONTO MAIZE STARCH USING POTASSIUM PERSULFATE AS INITIATOR

Graft polymerization of acrylamide (Aam) onto maize starch using potassium persulfate as initiator was investigated under different conditions including concentration of initiator and monomer, polymerization time and temperature and liquor ratio. Based on the results obtained, appropriate conditions for grafting acrylamide onto starch were established. These conditions were also used for grafting other monomers onto maize starch. Results obtained indicate that acrylamide acquires the highest graft ability while acrylic acid acquires the least, while acrylonitrile and methacrylic acid in between. The water solubility of both nitrogen- and carboxy-containing copolymers increases by increasing the monomer content up to a certain value, then it decreases.