Controlled Modification of Cellulosic Surfaces via the Reversible Addition - Fragmentation Chain Transfer (RAFT) Graft Polymerization Process

Abstract

Background The surface modification of the cellulose fibres through graft polymerization is of great interest to the researcher due to their wide range of potential applications. Living radical polymerization methods have been used to achieve well defined and living polymer grafts from the cellulose surface. [1] RAFT polymerization is a versatile method that allows the synthesis of polymers with complex molecular architectures, low polydispersity, and functionalizable end groups. [2] The controlled surface modification of different solid substrates (such as poly(propylene) lanterns, core-shell microspheres, silica, gold nanoparticles, carbon nanotubes, and the Merrifield resin system) via RAFT has already been reported. [3-7] RAFT graft polymerization from a solid support can be performed using both the R-group approach (the leaving and reinitiating R-group attached to the backbone) and the Z-group approach (the stabilizing group attached to the backbone).The R-group approach follows the 'grafting from' mechanism and higher graft densities can be achieved relative to that achieved using the 'grafting onto' (Z-group) approach due to fewer steric hindrance problems. [7,8] The use of a solid-supported chain transfer agent (the R-group approach) to mediate the controlled graft polymerization from the different cellulosic surfaces such as cotton fabric and filter paper has been the focus of recent studies. [9-11] Current research into RAFT polymerization is covered by two reviews. [12,13] .