Grafting, blending, and biodegradability of cellulose acetate

We performed the graft copolymerization of methyl acrylate and methyl methacrylate on cellulose acetate (CA) by a free-radical method. The grafting was confirmed by gravimetric analysis and IR spectroscopy. Low graft efficiency was observed for the benzoyl peroxide initiator used in the system. Melt blending of CA and nylon 6 was done for CA-rich compositions. The physical and mechanical property measurements showed an improvement over virgin CA properties. The chemical properties, however, did not show any phenomenal advancement. A CA/starch (90/10) blend was prepared and studied for biodegradation during soil burial. The gravimetric and mechanical property results indicated possible degradation. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 91: 1716–1723, 2004