Comparison of pre-irradiation and mutual grafting of 2-chloroacrylonitrile on cellulose by gamma-irradiation

Radiation-induced graft polymerization is one of the best methods for obtaining materials with new properties. In this work, radiation grafting of 2-chloroacrylonitrile to cellulose by mutual and pre-irradiation grafting methods was investigated. The grafting yield was enhanced by applying the emulsion grafting method. The grafting yield determined in the above systems was observed as 27% at highest and 6% at lowest. The effects of concentration of monomer, reaction time and reaction temperature on grafting yield were studied. Evidence of grafting has been based on the comparative studies of cellulose and grafted cellulose by infrared spectroscopy, thermal analysis and contact angle measurement. Grafting enhances thermal stability of cellulose backbone.