Graft copolymerization of acrylonitrile onto modified cellulosic material

Bleached cellulosic material from maize cobs was modified by treatment with allyl chloride in isopropyl ether at 60°C (DS = 1.5). Graft copolymerization of acrylonitrile onto the modified and unmodified cellulosic material initiated by ceric ions was carried out at 29°C. The extent of graft polymer formation was greatly enhanced by the modification of the cellulosic material. This results from the participation of the allyl groups in the modified cellulosic material in the formation of graft polymer.