Synthesis, characterization and antimicrobial activity of poly (N-vinyl imidazole) grafted carboxymethyl chitosan

Poly (N-vinyl imidazole) (PNVI) has been grafted onto carboxymethyl chitosan in aqueous solution using potassium persulphate (KPS) as initiator. The effect of the monomer and initiator concentration, the reaction temperature and time on the grafting yield have been investigated. The maximum grafting yield was achieved at [KPS] = 8 × 10−2 mol/L, [M] = 1 mol/L at reaction temperature = 60 °C within reaction time = 2.5 h. The grafted products were characterized by FTIR, elemental analysis, SEM photographs, solubility tests, thermal analysis and antibacterial activity. Grafted products have improved the antimicrobial activity of carboxymethyl chitosan.