Preparation and application of chitosan/poly(methacrylic acid) graft copolymer

2,2-Azobis(2-methylpropionitrile) (AMPN) was investigated as initiator for the graft copolymerization of methacrylic acid (MAA) onto chitosan. A number of variables in the grafting reaction were investigated, including AMPN and monomer concentration, material to liquor ratio, duration, and temperature of polymerization reaction. The graft copolymers were evaluated in terms of graft yield, homopolymer, monomer conversion percent, and grafting efficiency. The apparent viscosity of the resultant polymerization product was measured at different rates of shear. The optimum conditions for grafting of MAA onto chitosan are: AMPN; 0.125%, material-to-liquor ratio 1:30, and reaction temperature; 80 °C. The resultant product was used for preparation of crosslinked chitosan/poly(MAA) graft copolymer (CCPMAAGC) by its reaction with epichlorohydrin in alkaline medium. The result obtained reflects the feasibility for using CCPMAAGC as adsorbent for both Cu2+ ions and hepatit A virus.