Processibility of starch‐graft‐polyacrylonitrile copolymers

Starch‐graft‐polyacrylonitrile (S‐g‐PAN) has been prepared from granular starch of common millet (Penicum miliaceum, L) and its processibility has been examined using the Brabender Plasticorder. Glycerine, a known plasticizer for starch does not work as plasticizer for S‐g‐PAN. A mixture of 1 : 1 starch : S‐g‐PAN and 25% glycerine can be processed and a film can be extruded. The strength of the film was less than that of pure starch. The film prepared from the mixed graft copolymer of S‐g‐PAN and S‐g‐PMA had high tensile strength. The data on flow activation energy obtained from the torque‐rheometer are also reported.