GRAFT COPOLYMERIZATION OF ACRYLAMIDE ONTO HYDROCHLORINATED RUBBER

STUDIES ON NATURAL RUBBER (PART IX)

Abstract

Graft copolymerization of acrylamide onto hydrochlorinated rubber was carried out in toluene using radical initiators.
Benzoyl peroxide, azobisisobutyronitrile and lauroyl peroxide were effective as initiators. The curves of the degree of grafting and the percent monomer grafted against the initiator concentration had maxima. The graft efficiency decreased with increasing initiator concentration, but the effect was not remarkable. The higher the concentrations of hydrochlorinated rubber and acrylamide, the better results were obtained. The optimum polymerization temperature and time were 80°C and 2 hours, respectively. As for the swelling of graft copolymer, as the degree of grafting increased, it increased in water but decreased in benzene, toluene and carbon tetrachloride. No soluble part was observed in benzene if the degree of grafting exceede 60%, and in water irrespective of the degree of grafting.