RAFT graft polymerization of 2-(dimethylaminoethyl) methacrylate onto cellulose fiber

Poly(2-(dimethylamino) ethyl methacrylate) (PDMAEMA) was grafted from cellulose by reversible addition fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) polymerization. The use of a free chain transfer agent in solution allowed for a better control over graft ratio, chain length of grafted polymer, monomer conversion, and homopolymer formation in solution. An increase in polymerization time or degree of polymerization led to an increase in graft ratio, as expected from a living system.