Synthesis of Amylopectin Macro-Initiator for Graft Copolymerization of Amylopectin-g-Poly(Methyl Methacrylate) by ATRP (Atom Transfer Radical Polymerization)

Abstract

Graft copolymer of Amylopectin and PMMA was synthesized by atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP) method. The hydroxyl groups of amylopectin partially substituted with tert-butyl a-bromoisobutyrate to form tert-butyl a-bromoisobutyrate (TBBiB ) groups. This compound is known as an efficient macro-initiator for ATRP process. This research, aimed to obtain a bio based polymer of Amylopectin, in which the amylopectin was used as macro-initiator in the ATRP of MMA. The experiment was carried out in the homogeneous system under temperature range of 40 – 70°C in DMSO solution using TEA as catalyst. The modified amylopectin-TBBiB then was grafted to methyl methacrylate trough ATRP. Product characterization indicates that the graft copolymer Amylopectin-g-PMMA is efficient and the obtained product owns well defined structures