Ce(IV)-Ion Initiated Graft Copolymerization of Methyl Methacrylate onto Guar Gum

Graft copolymerization of methyl methacrylate onto guar gum was carried out in an aqueous medium using a ceric ammonium nitrate–nitric acid initiation system. The percent grafting (%G) and percent grafting efficiency (%GE) were determined as functions of the concentrations of ceric ammonium nitrate, nitric acid, methyl methacrylate, guar gum, polymerization temperature and time. Results are discussed and a reaction mechanism is proposed.