Quantification of Optimal Reaction Parameters for the Synthesis of a Polysaccharide‐Based Graft Copolymers Using Combined Shannon's Entropy and Data Envelopment Analysis

Abstract

AbstractThe traditional process of synthesis of desired materials involves a trial and error approach, which consumes considerable time and resources. Therefore, it is necessary to implement computer‐aided optimizing techniques for the precise synthesis of desired material. This paper presents a novel modeling approach for precise synthesis of graft copolymers of poly(acrylic acid) and Tamarind seed polysaccharide (xyloglucan). Different sets of variables generated through experimental study have been analyzed for the quantification of optimal reaction variables and parameters using combined Shannon's entropy and data envelopment analysis (DEA). Experimental data from the grafting reaction such as concentration of acrylic acid, temperature, and time are used to validate the model and a good agreement between model predictions and experimental data is observed. The proposed innovative green approach for designing the precise synthesis of xyloglucan based graft copolymers may help in identifying the optimal conditions for polymerization reaction to reach targeted materials more efficiently.