Synthesis and characterization of gelatin-polydimethylsiloxane graft copolymers

Gelatin-polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) graft copolymers were prepared through the reaction between gelatin and α-[3-(2,3-epoxypropoxy)propyl]-ω-butyl-PDMSs. The copolymers were characterized by FTIR and 1H-NMR spectra. As proved by wide angle X-ray analysis, a new characteristic crystalline peak appeared after the bonding of PDMS to gelatin chains. The microstructure and the elemental identification of gelatin and copolymers were followed through scanning electron microscope with energy dispersive spectrometer. The glass transition temperature of gelatin and copolymers were obtained by differential scanning calorimetry analysis. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2011