Graft polymerization of styrene on chitosan and the characteristics of the copolymers

Graft polymerization of styrene on chitosan derivative was carried out in order to obtain a new amphiphilic hybrid material of synthetic and natural polymers using N,N-dimethylformamide (DMF) soluble 6-O-tritylchitosan and azo compound having carboxylic acid groups. 6-O-Tritylchitosan was coupled with 4,4'-azobis(4-cyanovaleric acid) (ACVA). Graft polymerization of styrene on the 6-O-tritylchitosan was carried out in DMF using the pendant ACVA moiety as an initiator. After deprotection of trityl groups of the polymerization products, graft copolymer (PSt-g-chito) was obtained. Contact angle measurement and transmission electron microscope observation for the films of the PSt-g-chito were carried out. The obtained PSt-g-chito showed a micro phase separated morphology.