Optimization of reaction conditions for grafting of α-cellulose isolated from Lantana camara with acrylamide

► Lantana camara is a noxious weed and demands concerted efforts for its management. ► Utilisation of cellulosic biomass of Lantana could be a practical solution for its management. ► Graft copolymerization of acrylamide onto α-cellulose isolated from Lantana camara was studied with ceric ammonium nitrate as a redox initiator. ► The reaction conditions were optimized by varying concentration of ceric ammonium nitrate, nitric acid, acrylamide, time and temperature. ► Grafting of acrylamide chains onto the α-cellulose enhances its thermal stability.