Grafting of poly(methacrylic acid) on starch and poly(vinyl alcohol)

Grafting of methacrylic acid (MAA) on starch, poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA), and a mixture of starch and PVA, using a potassium persulfate/sodium thiosulfate redox initiation system was carried out. Polymerization was studied with respect to graft yield, homopolymer formation and total conversion. These polymerization criteria were found to depend largely on the concentration of both MAA and initiators, duration and method of polymerization. The results reveal a number of interesting points which reflect the impact of the condition of the treatment. The main product of the polymerization reaction [poly(MAA)-starch/PVA graft copolymer] was formed and precipitated during polymerization and can be easily separated by filtration as pure product. Application of these copolymers to cotton fabric was also carried out to evaluate the suitability of such modified products as sizing agents.