Synthesis and characterization of a novel derivative of chitosan

The graft-copolymer of chitosan with 4-(6-methacryloxyhexyloxy)-4′-nitrobiphenyl I was synthesized by radical polymerization. Graft-copolymerization was carried out under homogeneous conditions with AIBN as initiator and 2 wt% acetic acid as solvent. Homopolymerization of I was also carried out to obtain material for comparative analysis. The resulting chitosan graft-copolymers were isolated, purified and characterized with FTIR, NMR, DSC, and TGA. Films were then prepared and characterized by X-ray diffraction, wave guide coupling and infrared dichroism techniques.