Graft polymerization of acrylic acid onto chitin nanofiber to improve dispersibility in basic water

► Graft copolymerization of acrylic acid on chitin nanofibers was carried out. ► The characteristic morphology of nanofibers was maintained after polymerization. ► The copolymers were efficiently dispersed homogeneously in basic water. ► Acrylic acid was grafted on the surface of chitin nanofibers. ► The weight residue of the copolymer increased with the grafted AA content.