Graft copolymerization of acrylic acid to cassava starch--evaluation of the influences of process parameters by an experimental design method.

The graft copolymerization of cassava starch with acrylic acid was investigated using a free radical initiator system (Fe(2+)/H(2)O(2) redox system) in water. A comprehensive understanding of the important variables and their interaction has been obtained by applying an experimental design method. In this approach, two ('high' and 'low') values of selected variables are considered. Important result parameters are add-on and the grafting efficiency. Out of eight reaction variables, it was found that only temperature, starch concentration and the starch to monomer ratio have a pronounced influence on these response parameters. Moderate reaction temperature (40 °C) and high starch concentration (10%) give relatively good results of add-on and grafting efficiency. A low starch to monomer ratio favors add-on but decreases grafting efficiency. These findings can be used to optimize the production of cassava starch-acrylate copolymers and to gain insight in the process-product property interactions, for various applications.