Abstract
Grafting of cellulose using acrylic acid, methyl methacrylate, and 2-ethyl hexyl acrylate has been achieved through a free radical polymerization process by using ammonium persulfate as a free radical facilitator and Lutensol-XL100 as an emulsifier. The grafted cellulose was made into a composite using carbon nanoparticles obtained from millet carbon soot. Grafted cellulose and its carbon nanocomposites were characterized by scanning electron microscopy, differential scanning calorimetry, thermogravimetric analysis and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy. Additionally, tensile strength, electrical conductivity, and biodegradation studies were carried out. A soil burial test revealed the biodegradation of cellulose grafted terpolymer nanocomposite. The controlled biodegradation of this composite may have potential applications as an advanced material in various fields.