New approaches to tailor-made cellulose/starch/lignin-synthetic polymer graft copolymers with precise control over molecular weight, degree of substitution, backbone-graft linkage, and the overall grafting process are being studied. Cross-linked graft copolymers with exactly defined polymer chain segments between crosslink points have been prepared. The graft copolymers exhibit a two-phase morphology and can function effectively as compatibilizers/interfacial agents to alloy cellulosic and lignocellulosic materials with synthetic polymers. This approach opens up new opportunities for economically combining lignocellulosic materials with plastics to engineer new materials with unique balance of properties targeted for precise end-use applications. Structure-property relationship, morphological studies, processability and potential applications.
