Use of Xyloglucan as a Molecular Anchor for the Elaboration of Polymers from Cellulose Surfaces:  A General Route for the Design of Biocomposites

• Published in: Macromolecules Vol. 38; no. 9; pp. 3547 - 3549
• Main Authors: Zhou, Qi, Greffe, Lionel, Baumann, Martin J, Malmström, Eva, Teeri, Tuula T, Brumer, Harry
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Washington, DC American Chemical Society 03.05.2005
• Subjects: ambient-temperature; Applied sciences; Chemistry; Exact sciences and technology; fibers; Fibers and threads; Forms of application and semi-finished materials; Kemi; methyl-methacrylate; NATURAL SCIENCES; NATURVETENSKAP; Polymer industry, paints, wood; substrate; Technology of polymers; transfer radical polymerization; well-defined polymer; Surface reaction; Artificial fiber; Oligosaccharide; Atom transfer polymerization; Priming activity; Cellulose; Immobilization; Filter paper; Experimental study; Methyl methacrylate copolymer; Grafting; Cellulose graft copolymer; Radical catalyst; Bromine Organic compounds; Liquid solid reaction; Chemical synthesis
• ISSN: 0024-9297; 1520-5835; 1520-5835
• DOI: 10.1021/ma047712k

The controlled graft copolymerization of methyl methacrylate (MMA) on cellulose fibers through a combination of the XET and atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP) was investigated. It was found that graft polymerization of MMA on the initiator-laden filter paper under appropriate ATRP conditions yielded fibers that had altered surface properties. Controlled ATRP carried out using an initiator specifically immobilized on cellulose fibers through the XG/XET system provided a new route for the generation of biocomposite materials. The method provided a novel approach for the immobilization of polymerization initiators on cellulose, which was complementary to previously established chemical routes.