Preparation and Characterization of Graft Copolymerization of Methyl Methacrylate onto Chitosan

Abstract

To prepare and optimize core-shell nanoparticles consisting of poly (methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) with tert-butylhydroperoxide (TBHP) as an initiator. Methods The core-shell nanoparticles consisting of poly (methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) cores surrounded by various of chitosan shells, induced by tert-butylhydroperoxide (TBHP) solution. The average particle diameter and zeta potential of chitosan nanoparticles were determined by Zetasizer nanoanalyzer.Atomic force microscope was used to analyse core-shell nanoparticles morphology . Results The concentrations of chitosan and initiator tert-butylhydroperoxide (TBHP) and amounts of monomer methyl methacrylate (MMA),reaction time were effects on the nanoparticle size and grafting efficiency. The optimal conditions as follows: 0.25g in 47mL 1% acetic acid solution, tert-butylhydroperoxide (TBHP) 0.3mL, methyl methacrylate (MMA) 1g, reaction time 1.5 h and reaction temperature was at 80°C. Conclusion CS-g-PMMA nanoparticles could be successfully prepared by polymerizing MMA onto CS using tert-butylhydroperoxide as an initiator.