Copolymerization of styrene on to cellulose activated by corona

Abstract

Abstract The corona discharge technique was explored as a means of forming chemically active sites on cellulose surfaces. Paper thus treated was brought into contact with the reaction medium, a styrene–methanol mixture. The corona discharge was generated between two flat circular electrodes separated by a quartz disk. Scanning electron microscope analysis and wettability studies indicated that a hydrophobic film coated the cellulosic fibers. The molecular weights of both the homopolymer and the copolymer were characterized by GPC. Two peaks for grafted copolymer were observed, the first having about the same average molecular weight as the homopolymer, and the second having a molecular weight of about ten times the first fraction. A polymerization mechanism is proposed.