Gamma radiation-induced grafting of acrylamide and dimethyl diallyl ammonium chloride onto starch

► Cationic starch was prepared from AM and DMDAAC by Gamma irradiation. ► Cationic starch was characterized by FTIR, weight method and titration method. ► Grafting ratio and cationic degree depend on absorbed dose and composition. ► The changing trends of grafting ratio and cationic degree are very different.