2-methacryloyloxyethyl Trimethyl Ammonium Chloride Research Articles

Synthesis and characterization of a new fast swelling poly(EPMA-co-METAC) as superabsorbent polymer for anionic dye absorbent

A novel superabsorbent polymer poly(2,3-epoxypropyl methacrylate-co-2-(methacryloyloxy)ethyl trimethyl ammonium chloride), p(EPMA-co-METAC), was prepared simply by free radical aqueous copolymerization reaction of 2,3-epoxypropyl methacrylate (EPMA) and 2-(methacryloyloxy)ethyl trimethyl ammonium chloride (METAC) using N,N′-methylenebisacrylamide (MBA) as a cross-linking agent and ammonium persulfate (APS) as a free radical initiator. The chemical structures of hydrogel were confirmed by FTIR and elemental analysis. The swelling behavior of the hydrogel samples was investigated under different experimental conditions such as time, pH, ionic strength and different media. In the second part of this study, the superabsorbent hydrogels were tested for the removal of an anionic dye, i.e., Coomassie Brilliant Blue G-250 (CBB), a molecule having a marked amphiphilic character, from aqueous environment. Finally, isotherm adsorption data of dye on hydrogels were modeled according to Langmuir and Freundlich isotherm models. The results revealed that the experimental data was correlated by both of them. Also, the kinetic parameters for the adsorption process of the dye were investigated based on the different kinetic models such as pseudo-first-order and second-order models and the adsorption kinetics followed well the pseudo-second-order model. Novel superabsorbent polymer samples also show good anionic dye absorbency and excellent swelling ability. As a result, p(EPMA-co-METAC) hydrogel appeared to be suitable for the removal of CBB from aqueous solutions.

Fabrication of chitosan/PDMCHEA blend positively charged membranes with improved mechanical properties and high nanofiltration performances

Chitosan (CS) was blended with copolymer PDMCHEA made from 2-methacryloyloxy ethyl trimethylammonium chloride (DMC) and 2-hydroxyethyl acrylate (HEA), and the blend positively charged nanofiltration membranes (BPCNFMs) were prepared via chemical cross-linking method. Chemical compositions and structures of BPCNFMs were characterized by attenuated total reflectance fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, wide angle X-ray diffraction, differential scanning calorimetry and field emission scanning electron microscope, respectively. Mechanical properties of the BPCNFM25 loaded with 25wt.% PDMCHEA were greatly improved, showing 2.4 times higher breaking elongation and 2.0 times higher tensile strength as compared with that of the pristine CS membrane. The surface hydrophilicity and separation performances of BPCNFMs were examined by water contact angle and nanofiltration tests. BPCNFMs were subjected to the nanofiltration, and the effects of PDMCHEA content and feed concentration on nanofiltration performances were investigated. It is found that a high water permeability and salt selectivity, e.g., JH2O=20.6L·m−2·h−1, RZnCl2=97.5%, RNaCl=57.1% was obtained for the BPCNFM50 containing 50% PDMCHEA (testing with aqueous 1g·L−1 inorganic salts solutions at 25°C and 0.6MPa). Moreover, the stability and anti-fouling properties of BPCNFMs were significantly improved in the long-term nanofiltration process.

Preparation, characterization, and DNA interaction studies of cationic europium luminescent copolymer

This paper proposed a simple synthetic strategy towards a novel cationic europium luminescent copolymer, poly(METAC-co-NIPAm-co-Eu(AA)3Phen) (PMNEu), and investigation about their complexation ability with DNA. In this approach, first, Eu(AA)3Phen complex monomer containing Eu3+, acrylic acid (AA), and 1,10-phenanthroline (Phen) was synthesized, and subsequently, free radical copolymerization of Eu(AA)3Phen complex monomer with other two functional monomers, [2-(methacryloyloxy) ethyl] trimethylammonium chloride (METAC) and N-isopropylarylamide (NIPAm), was carried out in methanol using azodiisobutyronitrile (AIBN) as the initiator. 1HNMR, GPC, fluorescence spectroscopy, UV–vis spectroscopy, and TEM were used to investigate the chemical structures, molecular weight and molecular weight distribution, fluorescence properties, UV spectra, and morphologies of PMNEu copolymer, respectively. Furthermore, the interaction of PMNEu with DNA was also studied with fluorescence spectroscopy, UV–vis spectroscopy, and agarose gel electrophoresis. These results indicated that PMNEu could interact with DNA via an electrostatic bonding mode and the bonding constant was 2.2 × 105 L/mol. Additionally, TEM observation showed that pure PMNEu formed micelles in water solution, while the size-controllable aggregations of PMNEu with DNA were obtained when PMNEu was mixed with DNA at various concentration ratios. A good biocompability of PMNEu was demonstrated through in vitro cytotoxicity assays.

Neutron reflectivity study of the swollen structure of polyzwitterion and polyeletrolyte brushes in aqueous solution

The swollen brush structures of polycation and zwitterionic polymer brushes, such as poly(2-methacryloyloxyethyltrimethylammonium chloride) (PMTAC), poly(2-methacryloyloxyethyl phosphorylcholine) (PMPC), and poly[3-(N-2-methacryloyloxyethyl-N,N-dimethyl)ammonatopropanesulfonate] (PMAPS), in aqueous solutions of various ionic strengths were characterized by neutron reflectivity (NR) measurements. A series of the polyelectrolyte brushes were prepared by surface-initiated controlled radical polymerization on silicon substrates. A high-graft-density PMTAC brush in salt-free water (D2O) adopted a two-region step-like structure consisting of a shrunk region near the Si substrate surface and a diffuse brush region with a relatively stretched chain structure at the solution interface. The diffuse region of PMTAC was reduced with increase in salt (NaCl) concentration. The PMAPS brush in D2O formed a collapsed structure due to the strong molecular interaction between betaine groups, while significant increase in the swollen thickness was observed in salt aqueous solution. In contrast, no change was observed in the depth profile of the swollen PMPC brush in D2O with various salt concentrations. The unique solution behaviors of zwitterionic polymer brushes were described.

Thermo-responsive copolymers with ionic group as novel draw solutes for forward osmosis processes

Thermo-responsive copolymers containing ionic groups (P(MTxEOy), where x and y are the feed molar percent of [2-(methacryloyloxy)ethyl]trimethylammonium chloride (MTAC) and 2-(2-methoxyethoxy)ethyl methacrylate (MEO), respectively) were synthesized via free radical polymerization using MTAC and MEO as monomers, in order to use the copolymers as a draw solute in a forward osmosis (FO) system. The osmotic pressure and lower critical solution temperature (LCST) could be controlled by changing the composition of the copolymers. For example, P(MT25EO75) shows a relatively high osmotic pressure of 0.909 Osmol/kg at 0.2 g/mL, and P(MT5EO95) shows a LCST close to room temperature at 32 °C. When P(MT20EO80) was used as a draw solute in the FO system, a reasonable water permeation flux value of 5.45 Lm−2h−1 at 0.1 g/mL was observed and the draw solute (P(MT20EO80)) could be recovered with a very large draw solute recovery value of 99.80% from the draw solutions by heating to 70 °C, above the LCST, followed by a microfiltration process. Therefore, it is expected that such copolymer system could be a prospective candidate as a draw solute in the FO system.

Polymer Brush Growth from Surface-textured Thin Urushiol Films

Abstract We have demonstrated the growth of polymer brushes from a surface-textured thin urushiol film. Thermal imprinting was done on an initiator-immobilized thin urushiol film, and surface-initiated atom-transfer radical polymerization (ATRP) of [2-(methacryloyloxy)ethyl]trimethylammonium chloride (MTAC) was conducted from it. The obtained surface showed superhydrophilicity because of the nature of polyelectrolyte polymer brushes on the textured surface. Since thin urushiol film can form on a variety of substrates, the concept shown here could be a universal approach for surface modifications of substrates.

Preparation of cationic polyacrylamide microsphere emulsion and its performance for permeability reduction

In this paper, cationic polyacrylamide microspheres (CPAM) were synthesized using acrylamide (AM) and methacryloyloxyethyl trimethyl ammonium chloride (TMAEMC) as monomers, ammonium sulfate as dispersant, poly(acryloyloxyethyl trimethyl ammonium chloride) (PAETAC) as dispersion stabilizer, and ammonium persulfate as initiator. The synthetic method was dispersion polymerization. The effects of monomer ratio (AM/TMAEMC), dispersant concentration, and dispersion stabilizer dosage on dispersion polymerization were systematically studied to determine the optimal preparation conditions. The structure and viscosity of the synthesized polymer were characterized by FTIR and capillary viscometry, respectively, and the particle sizes and distribution of the polymer microspheres were characterized by microscopy and dynamic light scattering, respectively. Finally, flow tests were conducted to measure the permeability reduction performance of the microspheres at various concentrations in sand packs with different permeability. Results show that CPAM emulsion of a solids content of lwt% has excellent performance in low-to-medium permeability formations (< 1,000 mD), and the efficiency may reach above 90%.

Removal of hexavalent chromium from aqueous solution using exfoliated polyaniline/montmorillonite composite.

Exfoliated polyaniline/montmorillonite (PANI/MMT) composites with nanosheet structure were successfully prepared by in situ chemical oxidation polymerization with MMT platelets as the scaffold. Amphoteric polymer, (2-methacryloyloxyethyl)trimethyl ammonium chloride and methacrylate acid copolymer, was used to modify montmorillonite and a large number of carboxylic acids were introduced on the surface of the clay platelets, which can be used as a dopant of PANI and play a 'bridge' role to combine PANI with clay. Adsorption experiments were carried out to study the effects of pH, contact time, Cr(VI) concentration, adsorbent dose and temperature. The adsorption of Cr(VI) on the PANI/MMT was highly pH dependent and the adsorption kinetics followed a pseudo-second-order model. The Langmuir isothermal model described the adsorption isotherm data well and the maximum adsorption capacity increased with the increase in temperature. Thermodynamic investigation indicated that the adsorption process is spontaneous, endothermic and marked with an increase in randomness at the adsorbent - liquid interface. The maximum adsorption capacity of the PANI/MMT composites for Cr(VI) was 308.6 mg/g at 25 °C. The excellent adsorption characteristic of exfoliated PANI/MMT composites will render it a highly efficient and economically viable adsorbent for Cr(VI) removal.

Surface initiated polydopamine grafted poly([2-(methacryoyloxy)ethyl]trimethylammonium chloride) coatings to produce reverse osmosis desalination membranes with anti-biofouling properties

Commercial polyamide (PA) reverse osmosis (RO) membranes were surface modified in a sequential two-step polymerization process to impart anti-biofouling properties to the membrane surface. In the first step, a 2-bromoisobutyryl bromide initiator-polydopamine (BiBBr-initiator-PDA) layer was deposited onto the membrane surface from a Tris(hydroxymethyl)aminomethane buffered solution of dopamine hydrochloride and 2-bromoisobutyryl bromide at ambient conditions. In the second step, polymer chains of [2-(methacryloyloxy)ethyl]trimethylammonium chloride (MTAC) were grafted-from the BiBBr-initiator-PDA surface using activators regeneration by electron transfer-atom transfer radical polymerization for between 1 and 24h. The modified surfaces were characterized using attenuated reflectance-Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and water contact angle and their pure water flux, saline water flux and ability to reject salt were determined. Results showed that the water flux and salt rejection properties of the PDA-g-PMTAC modified membranes were similar to the unmodified PA RO membranes. Chlorine resistance tests showed the coating had enhanced stability in regards to salt rejection properties. Significantly, after six days of incubation in nutrient solution there was 93.2% less bacteria on the PDA-g-MTAC modified PA RO membranes, compared to the unmodified membranes.

Flocculation of Escherichia coli using a quaternary ammonium salt grafted carboxymethyl chitosan flocculant.

Only few studies are available on bacteria removal efficiencies and antibacterial properties of flocculants, which is one of the important requirements in water treatment work. Escherichia coli (E. coli) was selected as an example of a Gram-negative bacteria for testing the flocculating properties of a quaternary ammonium salt grafted chitosan (carboxymethyl chitosan-graft-poly[(2-methacryloyloxyethyl) trimethylammonium chloride] copolymer; i.e., CMC-g-PDMC). The effect of various flocculation parameters, including flocculant dosage, initial bacterial density, nutrient medium content, and pH were successively investigated. The experimental results indicated that, besides flocculation effects, CMC-g-PDMC also exhibited a bactericidal effect (not requiring additional treatment facilities). Moreover, the flocculation mechanisms were investigated via zeta potential measurements, floc observation, and three-dimensional excitation-emission matrix spectra analysis. Apart from its flocculating and settling effect, this chitosan-based material has bactericidal action through the breaking of bacterial cell walls by grafted quaternary ammonium salt.

Evaluation of a novel chitosan-based flocculant with high flocculation performance, low toxicity and good floc properties

In this work, a novel chitosan-based flocculant, carboxymethyl chitosan-graft-poly[(2-methacryloyloxyethyl) trimethyl ammonium chloride] (CMC-g-PDMC), was designed and prepared successfully. Flocculation performance of CMC-g-PDMC was systematically evaluated using kaolin suspension, humic acid (HA) solution and kaolin-HA mixed suspension as synthetic wastewater under acidic, neutral and alkaline conditions, respectively. The experimental results demonstrated that CMC-g-PDMC exhibited lower optimal dosage, higher contaminant removal efficiency, wider applicable pH range, lower effluent toxicity and better floc properties for handling and disposal, in comparison with polyaluminum chloride. The high flocculation performance of CMC-g-PDMC was ascribed to two structural advantages of improved both positive charges and molecular weight. In addition, flocs characteristics including flocs formation, breakage, regrowth and fractal structure, were studied by an in-situ light scattering system during the flocculation process. Detailed analysis clearly illuminated the differences and relationship among floc size, fractal dimension and floc strength. Based on analysis of floc properties in combination with zeta potential measurements, flocculation mechanisms in different synthetic wastewater at various pHs were deeply discussed: charge neutralization or patching played the key role under different conditions, and the relationship between flocculation mechanisms and floc properties has been built. The effective and environment-friendly flocculant bear significant application potentials in water treatment fields.

Aqueous and air-compatible fabrication of high-performance conductive textiles.

This paper describes a fully aqueous- and air-compatible chemical approach to preparing high-performance conductive textiles. In this method, the surfaces of textile materials are first modified with an aqueous solution of double-bond-containing silane molecules to form a surface-anchoring layer for subsequent in situ free-radical polymerization of [2-(methacryloyloxy)ethyl]trimethylammonium chloride (METAC) in the air. Thin layers of poly-METAC (PMETAC) are therefore covalently grafted on top of the silane-modified textile surface. Cu- or Ni-coated textiles are finally fabricated by electroless deposition (ELD) onto the PMETAC-modified textiles. Parameters including polymerization time, temperature, and ELD conditions are studied to optimize the whole fabrication process. The as-made conductive textiles exhibit sheet resistance as low as 0.2 Ω sq(-1) , which makes them highly suitable for use as conductive wires and interconnects in flexible and wearable electronic devices. More importantly, the chemical method is fully compatible with the conventional "pad-dry-cure" fabrication process in the textile manufacturing industry, thus indicating that it is very promising for high-throughput and roll-to-roll fabrication of high-performance metal-coated conductive textiles in the future.

Effect of amphoteric grafting branch on the adhesion of starch to textile fibers

Starch-g-poly(2-methacryloyloxyethyl trimethyl ammonium chloride-co-acrylic acid) (starch-g-P(DMC/AA)) with different zeta potentials was prepared via the graft copolymerization of acid-thinned cornstarch (ATS) with 2-methacryloyloxyethyl trimethyl ammonium chloride (DMC) and acrylic acid (AA) in aqueous medium using Fe2+–H2O2 initiator. The investigation was carried out to reveal the influence of amphoteric branches grafted onto starch chains upon the adhesion of starch to textile fibers. Zeta potential of starch-g-P(DMC/AA) was adjusted by altering the mole ratio of DMC to AA charged into the copolymerization system. The adhesion was evaluated in terms of bonding strength and specific bonding strength of slightly sized roving based on a legal method (FZ/T 15001-2008) through the comparison of the amphoteric branch-grafted starch with ATS, starch-g-PAA, and starch-g-PDMC for warp sizing. It was found that the charged branches grafted onto starch chains were able to significantly enhance the adhesion. Zeta potential, depending on the mole ratio of DMC to AA units in the grafting branches, showed evident effect on the adhesion and desizability of the grafted starch. Increase in the potential favored to improve the adhesion, but disfavored the removal of the starch from sized warps. Alkali-oxidant agent desizing test confirmed that the starch-g-P(DMC/AA) with neutral potential was desizable. The amphoteric branch-grafted starch exhibited potential application as size base materials in warp sizing operation if its zeta potential was neutral.

Grafted Copolymerization Modification of Hemicellulose Directly in the Alkaline Peroxide Mechanical Pulping (APMP) Effluent and Its Surface Sizing Effects on Corrugated Paper

In this work, the graft copolymerization of acrylamide (AM) and methacryloyloxy ethyl trimethyl ammonium chloride (DMC) with the hemicellulose in the alkaline peroxide mechanical pulping (APMP) effluent was investigated using the Fenton agent (FeSO4/H2O2) as an initiator. The effects of the reaction conditions on the characteristics of the graft copolymers were studied. On the basis of the graft copolymer characterization, the optimum conditions were as follows: total active ingredient concentration 31%, reactive temperature 50 °C, amount of the initiator 0.4%, ratio of H2O2 to FeSO4 1:1, molar ratio of DMC to AM 1.5:20 and optimum percentages of C, G, GE, and viscosity are 65%, 246%, 98%, and 5020 cP, respectively. Structure elucidation of the graft copolymer was obtained by 1H NMR spectroscopy and FT-IR. Gel-permeation chromatography (GPC) was employed to determine the molecular mass and molecular mass distribution of hemicellulose and graft copolymer. The thermal degradation properties of hemicellulose...

Preparation and properties of PEC nanocomposite membranes with carboxymethyl cellulose and modified silica

Carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC)-modified silica nanocomposites were prepared via in situ incorporation of modified silica during the ionic complexation between CMC and poly(2-methacryloyloxy ethyl trimethylammonium chloride) (PDMC). Ionic bonds were introduced between the poly(2-acrylamido-2-methylproanesulfonic acid) modified silica (SiO2-PAMPS) and the polyelectrolyte complex (PEC) matrix. The PEC nanocomposites (PECNs) and their membranes (PECNMs) were characterized with Fourier transform-infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and tensile testing. PECNM containing 5wt.% SiO2-PAMPS showed a tensile strength of 68MPa and elongation at break of 7.1%, which were 1.9 and 2.6 times as high as those of pristine PEC membranes, respectively. Moreover, the pervaporation performance of as-prepared PECNMs was evaluated with dehydration of 10wt.% aqueous isopropanol mixtures, and the PECNMs exhibited a flux of 2400gm−2h−1 with a high separation factor of 4491 at 70°C.

Polyelectrolyte complex nanofiltration membranes: performance modulation via casting solution pH

Nanofiltration (NF) membranes were prepared from a solution processable polyelectrolyte complex (PEC) between sodium carboxymethyl cellulose (CMCNa) and poly (2-methacryloyloxy ethyl trimethylammonium chloride) (PDMC).

Use of unmodified SiO2 as nanofiller to improve mechanical properties of polymer-based nanocomposites

SiO2 nanoparticles without surface modification were used to prepare a polymer based nanocomposite: methyl methacrylate (MMA) was selected as the matrix, and copolymerized with a small amount of cationic functional comonomer 2-(methacryloyloxy)ethyltrimethylammonium chloride (MTC). The aim is to improve the dispersion of unmodified SiO2 as well as the interfacial adhesion through electrostatic interaction between the positively charged copolymer matrix and negatively charged fillers, and ultimately to improve the mechanical properties. The chemical structure of P(MMA-co-MTC)/SiO2 was characterized by 1H nuclear magnetic resonance (1H NMR). The interaction between copolymer matrix and SiO2 nanoparticles was investigated by zeta potential and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR). Meanwhile, the morphologies of the synthesized microspheres were studied by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and the dispersion of SiO2 nanoparticles in P(MMA-co-MTC)/SiO2 was observed by transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Finally, the mechanical properties of P(MMA-co-MTC)/SiO2 was studied in detail and the tensile fracture surface was studied by SEM. The results indicate that, P(MMA-co-MTC)/SiO2 has been successfully synthesized by in situ suspension copolymerization, and the mechanical properties, especially the flexural property, were remarkably improved due to the better dispersion state and stronger interfacial adhesion ameliorated through electrostatic interaction. When the content of MTC and SiO2 is 10 wt% and 1.0 wt%, respectively, the optimal mechanical properties were obtained: compared to PMMA, the tensile strength was increased by 20.7% and the flexural strength was improved by as much as 140.7%. The whole process does not need surface modification, which makes this method more convenient and less costly.

The inhibitory effect of a polymerisable cationic monomer on functional matrix metalloproteinases

ObjectivesThis study examined the use of methacryloxylethyl cetyl dimethyl ammonium chloride (DMAE-CB) as a potential matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) inhibitor on both soluble recombinant and dentine matrix-bound endogenous MMPs, meanwhile attempted to determine the effective anti-MMP group of quaternary ammonium methacrylates (QAMs). MethodsThe possible inhibitory effects of five DMAE-CB mass concentrations (0.1%, 0.5%, 1%, 3%, 5%) on soluble rhMMP-9 were measured using a colorimetic assay kit. Methyl methacrylate (MMA) and [2-(methacryloyloxy)ethyl] trimethylammonium chloride (METMAC) were also screened against rhMMP-9 to compare the inhibitory effect with DMAE-CB. Matrix-bound endogenous MMP-activity was evaluated in completely demineralized dentine beams. Thirty beams were randomly divided into three groups (N=10) and respectively placed into 500μL of calcium- and zinc-containing media (CM; control), 0.2% chlorhexidine or 3% DMAE-CB in CM aged for 30 days. The changes in modulus of elasticity, loss of dry mass and solubilization of collagen peptides were measured via three-point bending, precision weighing and hydroxyproline assay, respectively. Results0.5–5% mass concentrations of DMAE-CB were highly effective (P<0.05) in inhibiting rhMMP-9 varied between 76.56±6.44% and 97.06±3.24%, the inhibitory effect of MMA was much lower than that of METMAC and DMAE-CB at the same concentration (P<0.05). Dentine beams incubated in 3% DMAE-CB showed only a 26.34% decrease in the modulus of elasticity (75.74% decrease in control), a 1.72±1.56% loss of dry mass (29.70±9.12% loss in control), and significantly less solubilized hydroxyproline when compared with the control (P<0.05). ConclusionsDMAE-CB is effective in inhibiting both soluble recombinant MMPs and matrix-bound dentine MMPs. Quaternary ammonium group is the effective anti-MMP group of QAMs. Clinical significanceThe incorporation of DMAE-CB into dental adhesives has the potential to enhance the durability of dentine bonding and thus increases the longevity of restorations.

SARA ATRP in Aqueous Solutions Containing Supplemental Redox Intermediate: Controlled Polymerization of [2-(Methacryloyloxy)ethyl] trimethylammonium Chloride

Polymerization of the cationic monomer [2-(methacryloyloxy)ethyl]trimethylammonium chloride (METAC) by the methods of controlled radical polymerization AGET ATRP and SARA ATRP is reported, demonstrating successful synthesis of well-defined cationic polymers in aqueous solutions. A modification of SARA system (ISARA) for aqueous solutions was proposed based on the use of supplemental redox intermediates (SRI) mediating electron transfer between zerovalent metal and the deactivator CuII/L, ensuring steady generation of the activator in situ. Ascorbic acid and hydroquinone in their oxidized form, and iron(III) chloride are between preferable SRI. A mechanism of generation of the activator CuI/L in the presence of zerovalent metals and SRI in aqueous solutions of ISARA ATRP was proposed. The main advantages of ISARA compared to AGET ATRP are simpler technical implementation, better reproducibility of the results and good control over polymerization up to high conversions of the monomers.

Preparation of starch-based styrene acrylate emulsion used as surface-treatment agent for decorative base paper

Abstract A series of cationic starch (CS-8)-based styrene (St) acrylate latex preparations was prepared by the core-shell emulsion polymerization method. The latex was used in the surface-treatment of decorative base papers, for good printability and absorbability. CS-8, which has a low relative viscosity, was used as the emulsifier and dispersant. The influencing factors (dosage of CS-8 as well as the kinds and dosages of functional monomers) were studied and the optimal conditions were achieved. Then, the products were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier-transform infrared (FT-IR), laser particle size analysis and particle charge detection. The results showed that the excellent performance and good surface-treatment effects of the St acrylate emulsion (SAE) were achieved when the reaction conditions were as follows: 10 wt% starch, 2 wt% methacryloyloxyethyltrimethyl ammonium chloride (DMC) as the cationic monomer and 20 wt% ethyl acrylate (EA) as the acrylate monomer. Under the optimal conditions, the latex particle size was around 160 nm, the latex viscosity was 10 mPa·s and the latex charge density was 0.60 mmol·l-1. The printability of the decorative base paper was significantly improved and the absorbability of the paper sheet was maintained. The surface-treatment effect of the cationic starch-based SAE was superior to that of commercial polyurethane (PU).