Anionic Graft Polymerization of Acrylonitrile on Cellulose

Abstract

The anionic graft polymerization of acrylonitrile on cellulose was studied with sodium cellulosate as initiator and rayon yarns as substrate. Products containing up to 22% grafted polyacrylonitrile were obtained. The graft polymerization reaction was always accompanied by homopotymer formation. Graft polymers with low molecular-weight side chains (up to 15,000) and relatively high degrees of substitution were achieved. The reaction was studied as a function of the ratio of monomer/initiator concentration, and it was observed that graft polymerization yield decreased, molecular weight in creased, and the polyacrylonitrile content in the products increased with increase in this ratio. The mechanical properties of the rayon yarns under standard conditions were not adversely affected by the grafting, but strength and extensibility were decreased under wet conditions.