Abstract: | With vinyl monomers, viz., styrene, butyl methacrylate, dimethylaminoethyl methacrylate, and ethyl acrylate, it was noted that higher per cent grafting was obtained with “recrystallized” cellulose than with “amorphous” cellulose. The possibility of the production of a porous structure in cellulose as a result of γ-irradiation followed by the dissolution of the reactive regions is suggested. DTA and DTG data of irradiated cellulose triacetate (CTA) reveal lowering of the melting point on irradiation, indicating a decrease in crystallinity. Decrease in density of cellulose on irradiation by γ-rays also indicates loosening of the structure of cellulose. It is postulated that grafting occurs in those regions of cellulose which were crystalline before irradiation, as well as in less crystallinie regions. |