ARS | Publication request: Preparation of Starch-Graft-Poly(itaconic Acid) Copolymers

Submitted to: Meeting Abstract
Publication Type: Abstract
Publication Acceptance Date: August 20, 2004
Publication Date: October 18, 2004
Citation: Berfield, J.L., Biswas, A., Parsons, J.D., Finkenstadt, V.L. 2004. Preparation of starch-graft-poly(itaconic acid) copolymers. American Chemical Society. p.177.

Technical Abstract: Itaconic acid (methylene succinic acid) is obtained by the fermentation of carbohydrates and used in the manufacture of synthetic resins. As the industry gears up for biotechnology waves, there will be abundance of itaconic acid. Our objective was to utilized itaconic acid to modify starch and evaluate the properties of the starch-graft poly (itaconic acid). We were able to graft itaconic acid onto starch in the presence of sodium hydroxide using ceric ammonium nitrate or ammonium persulfate as an initiator. Neutralization was essential for polymerization and grafting of itaconic acid. The reaction was carried out in an aqueous solution at room temperature in the presence of nitrogen. Products were washed with acetone and ethanol and dried in a vacuum oven. The graft was confirmed using FTIR to examine the surface of thermoplastic starch pellets. This graft copolymer was characterized by the use of NMR, FTIR, and HP-SEC.