Functional Monomers and Polymers. 90 Radiation-Induced Graft Polymerization of Styrene onto Chitin and Chitosan

Abstract

Abstract The graft polymerization of styrene onto chitin powder, and chitosan powder and film initiated by γ-ray irradiation was carried out at 30°C. The graft polymerization was found to proceed predominantly in the presence of water, and the degree of grafting increased with an increase in the radiation dose. From ESR spectroscopy it was noted that the free radicals generated both in chitin and in chitosan were stable enough at ambient temperature. Styrene-grafted chitin and chitosan powders thus obtained showed less swelling in water, and chitosan after graft polymerization was insoluble in dilute acids. Graft polymerization of other vinyl monomers was also studied.