Use of Xyloglucan as a Molecular Anchor for the Elaboration of Polymers from Cellulose Surfaces:  A General Route for the Design of Biocomposites

The controlled graft copolymerization of methyl methacrylate (MMA) on cellulose fibers through a combination of the XET and atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP) was investigated. It was found that graft polymerization of MMA on the initiator-laden filter paper under appropriate ATRP conditions yielded fibers that had altered surface properties. Controlled ATRP carried out using an initiator specifically immobilized on cellulose fibers through the XG/XET system provided a new route for the generation of biocomposite materials. The method provided a novel approach for the immobilization of polymerization initiators on cellulose, which was complementary to previously established chemical routes.