Anionic graft polymerization of ethylene oxide on starch. I

Abstract
Graft polymers of polyethylene oxide on various starches were obtained by anionic graft polymerization of ethylene oxide on the starch alkoxide derivatives. The polyalkoxides were prepared by reaction of potassium naphthalene with starch in DMSO solution. It was found that increase of monomer or alkoxide concentration led to transformation of the grafts from solids to syrups. Rice starch, having a more complex structure than soluble starch or wheat starch, led to graft polymers having higher melting ranges than the others. The graft polymers were very soluble in water or methanol.