Abstract

Graft copolymerization of 2-anilinoethanol (2AE) onto chitosan (Chit-g-P2AE) was carried out by using ammonium peroxydisulfate (APS) as a long initiator under nitrogen atmosphere. Evidence of grafting was confirmed by comparison of FTIR spectrum of chitosan and the grafted copolymer. The grafting kinetics in the different conditions was studied as well. The effects of concentration of APS, 2AE, reaction time and temperature on graft copolymerization were studied by determining the grafting percentage, grafting efficiency and percentage add-on. With other conditions kept constant, the optimum grafting conditions were obtained as follows: Chitosan = 1 g, APS = 0.1 M, and 2AE = 0.213 mol/L, reaction temperature = 25°C, and reaction time = 5 h. Electrical conductivities of samples were measured by four probe method.

Key words: Graft copolymerization, ammonium peroxydisulfate (APS), 2-anilinoethanol (2AE), onto chitosan (Chit-g-P2AE).