Grafting onto cellulosic macromolecules through chain transfer to mercaptoethyl side chains. I. Experimental procedure and results

Cellulose acetate films, cellophane, and cellulose model fibers are mercaptoethylated by an addition reaction with ethylene sulfide. A monomer is polymerized in the presence of the cellulose derivative obtained, so that chain transfer to SH groups can take place. Evidence for grafting is presented. The effect of reaction time, catalyst concentration, and monomer concentration is given in the form of tables and graphs. The initial rate of grafting is shown to be proportional to the square root of the catalyst concentration, and, roughly, to the concentration of the monomer. Rates of grafting of the order of 10–15 wt.‐%/hr. are easily obtained.