Abstract A process for the graft-copolymerization of at least one vinyl monomer on a cellulose, which comprises heating a system consisting of a fibrous cellulose of wood, pulp, cotton, hemp or the like, at least one vinyl monomer such as, for typical example, methyl methacrylate, ethyl methacrylate, methacrylic acid, acrylonitrile, styrene or the like and water, the amount of water being at least 30 times the weight of the cellulose used, in the form of a heterogeneous system, under atmospheric or elevated pressure at a temperature from room temperature to the boiling point of water, in the absence of polymerization initiator and emulsifying agent. This copolymer is formed to semitransparent paper or film-like material by hot press.
A process, according to claim 1, wherein the cellulose is a fibrous cellulose selected from the group consisting of wood cellulose, leaf cellulose, stem cellulose, bast cellulose, seed fiber cellulose and pulp.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
79 words
A process, according to claim 1, wherein the vinyl monomers are represented by the following structural formula: where R represents -H or -CH3 and R'' represents an alkyl group containing one to 18 carbon atoms; -H; where R'''' represents H or an alkyl group containing one to four carbon atoms; -(CH2CH2O)n R'''''' where R'''''' represents -H or an alkyl group containing one to four carbon atoms and n1 is one to four; or a nuclear-substituted alkyl derivative thereof; or
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
66 words
A process according to claim 1, wherein the vinyl monomer are represented by the following structural formula: where R represents -H or -CH3 and X represents Cl; -OCOCH3; -CN; -CONH2; -CONHCH2OR'' where R'' represents H or an alkyl group containing one to four carbon atoms; or a nuclear-substituted alkyl derivative thereof; -CH=CH2; -OR'''' where R'''' represents an alkyl group containing one to four carbon atoms; or
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
21 words
A process according to claim 1, wherein the amount of vinyl monomers is 0.5 times or more the weight of cellulose.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
17 words
A process according to claim 1, wherein the heating temperature is between 40* C and 100* C.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
16 words
A process according to claim 1, wherein the pressure is between 1 atm. and 10 atm.