The modification of cellulose with polymers has attracted much attention recently due to a higher demand for “green” materials derived from biodegradable, renewable resources. Modification of cellulose through physically adsorption of polymers is of particular interest as it can be performed under mild, aqueous conditions. We have recently reported the modification of cellulose with cationic poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) latex particles stabilised by protonated poly(dimethylaminoethyl methacrylate-co-methacrylic acid),1 formed by a RAFT-mediated emulsion polymerization, where particles form via the polymerization induced self-assembly (PISA) process. Here, we utilize the natural affinity of the hemicellulose xyloglucan (XG) for modifying different cellulose substrates through non-ionic interactions. XG is a neutral polysaccharide which binds to cellulose under various conditions through hydrogen bonding.2 Exploiting reducing chain end chemistry3 a XG macroRAFT agent was synthesized, which was subsequently used in the RAFT-mediated emulsion polymerization of MMA. Latex particles formed via the PISA process and consisted of a hydrophobic PMMA core, sterically stabilized by the hydrophilic XG shell. The particles were then studied for their adsorption to different cellulose substrates, which was observed by FT-IR, SEM and AFM analyses, whilst the adsorption to a model cellulose surface was also followed in situ by quartz crystal microbalance with dissipation monitoring (QCM-D). Annealing of the latex particles adsorbed on the cellulose surfaces, above the PMMA Tg, leads to the deformation of the particles and smoother surfaces, as observed by AFM. This novel type of hemicellulose decorated latex particles is thought to provide a new platform for the modification of cellulose through non-electrostatic physical adsorption. 1 Carlsson, L.; Fall, A.; Chaduc, I.; Wågberg, L.; Charleux, B.; Malmströrn, E.; D'Agosto, F.; Lansalot, M.; Carlmark, A. Polym. Chem. 2014, 5, 6076-6086. 2 Scheller, H. V.; Ulvskov, P. Annu. Rev. Plant Biol. 2010, 61, 263-289. 3 Araújo, A. C.; Nakhai, A.; Ruda, M.; Slättegård, R.; Gatenholm, P.; Brumer, H. Carb. Res. 2012, 354, 116-120.

Xyloglucan-functional latex particles via RAFT-mediated emulsion polymerization for the modification of cellulose by physical adsorption

251st National Meeting (2016)

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