Graft Copolymerization of Methyl Methacrylate on Potato Starch Using Potassium Trioxalatomanganate,K3[Mn(C2O4)3], as Initiator

Graft copolymerization of methyl methacrylate on potato starch was carried out in methanol-water medium at 35°C in the dark using potassium trioxalatomanganate, K₃Mn(C₂O₄)₃], as initiator. The effect of different methanol-water ratios (v/v), the temperature of polymerization, the initiator concentration, the monomer concentration, the starch content, and the time of polymerization were studied. Percent total conversion, % grafting, and grafting efficiency (%) under different conditions were evaluated and compared. High grafting efficiency (～80%), high % total conversion (～85%), and high % grafting (-95%) were readily obtained. The reaction mechanism for graft copolymer formation is discussed.