Graft copolymerization of carboxymethylcellulose: An overview

Abstract

The modification of Carboxymethylcellulose (CMC) through vinyl monomers containing different functional groups to increase its functionality has attracted the attention of researchers. Among the various methods for modifying polymers, graft copolymerization appears to be highly attractive and has made a paramount contribution towards improved industrial and biomedical applications. In recent years, the polymer functionalization of CMC has greatly benefited from advances in polymerization techniques. Graft copolymerization technique provides different functionalities onto CMC surface, where CMC and its modified graft copolymers have multifunctional characteristics and known for their potentially wider range of applications. In addition to the conventional grafting techniques, we highlight the recent developments in graft copolymerization process that allows increase control over the grafting and permits the production of functional cellulose which possess improved physical and chemical properties.