Journal of Bioremediation & Biodegradation
Open Access

Abstract

In this paper, morphological modification through graft copolymerization of methylmethacrylate onto Saccharaum spontaneum�L, a natural fiber using ferrous ammonium sulphate � potassium per sulphate (FASKPS) as a redox initiator has been reported. Different reaction parameters like reaction temperature, time, initiator molar ratio, monomer concentration, pH and solvent were optimized to get maximum graft yield (144%). The graft copolymers thus formed were characterized using FTIR, SEM, XRD and TGA, DTA and DTG techniques. Graft copolymer has been found to be more moisture retardant and also showed higher chemical and thermal resistance. The graft copolymer prepared has been used as the reinforcing material for the preparation of green composites and their biodegradation studies were carried-out. Characterization of different biodegradation stages was carried out using FT-IR and SEM studies.

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