The xanthate method of grafting. VI. The copolymer–homopolymer ratio

Wood pulp was compolymerized with butyl acrylate as monomer. The xanthate redox method was employed to initiate the reaction. The effect of reaction time and temperature on the relative yield of grafted polymer and homopolymer was investigated. In the lower temperature region (15°–25°C), induction periods ranged from 10 to 30 min. No induction periods were observed at higher temperatures (40° and 60°C). The copolymer/homopolymer ratio was found to depend on both time and temperature. A considerable amount of homopolymer was formed in the initial stage of the reaction. Increased reaction temperature resulted in lower grafting efficiency. Similarly, both graft and homopolymer molecular weight decreased with rising reaction temperature.