Chemistry Reference
In-Depth Information
Chapter 1
Polymer Grafting: A Versatile Means to Modify
the Polysaccharides
Susheel Kalia, Magdy W. Sabaa, and Sarita Kango
Abstract
The polysaccharides are the most abundant natural organic materials,
and polysaccharide-based graft copolymers are of great importance and widely
used in the various fields. Natural polysaccharides have received more attention due
to their advantages over the synthetic polymers such as non-toxic, biodegradable
and low cost. Modification of polysaccharides through graft copolymerisation
improves the properties of natural polysaccharides. Grafting is known to improve
the characteristic properties of the backbones. Such properties include water repel-
lency, thermal stability, flame resistance, dye ability and resistance towards
acid-base attack and abrasion. Graft copolymers play an important role as
reinforcing agents in the preparation of green composites. These graft copolymers
on subjecting both for composting and soil burial biodegradation studies are found
to be biodegradable in nature. Polysaccharides and their graft copolymers find
extensive applications in diversified fields. Applications of modified
polysaccharides include drug delivery devices, controlled release of fungicides,
selective water absorption from oil-water emulsions and purification of water.
Methods
for
the modification of various polysaccharides
through graft
copolymerisation technique have been reported in this chapter.
Keywords
Polysaccharide • Graft copolymers • Radiations • Plasma • Enzymatic
grafting
