Preparation of pH- and salinity-responsive cellulose copolymer in ionic liquid

• DOI: 10.1007/s10965-014-0535-z
• Publication Date: 2014-08-08T07:48:37Z
• Authors: Xiaoyi Wei; Gang Chang; Jihua Li; Fei Wang; Lihong Cui; Tiaokun Fu; Lingxue Kong
• Keywords: 01 natural sciences; 0104 chemical sciences

A novel biodegradable pH- and salinity-responsive cellulose copolymer was prepared by grafting 2-(Dimethylamino) ethylmethacrylate (DMAEMA) onto bagasse cellulose in ionic liquid. The grafting polymerization was achieved in 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium chloride ([Bmim]Cl) under microwave irradiation. Copolymers were then characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction and thermo gravimetric analysis measurements. The results revealed that polymer chains had been successfully bonded to the cellulose backbone. Furthermore, the self-assembly of cellulose-g-DMAEMA copolymers at various salt concentrations and pH solution were investigated by means of swelling behavior measurement. It indicated that the copolymers presented dual pH and salinity-responsive properties. The synthetic strategy showed great potential in the modification of other cellulosic biomass to afford new biomaterials with desired properties.