Abstract: Polyacrylaimde carboxymethyl starch graft copolymers (PAAm-g-CMS) with different nitrogen contents were prepared using Ultra Violet /photoinitiator system. The as prepared copolymer was further utilized to prepare PAAm-g-CMS silver nanocomposite (PAAm-g-CMS-AgNPs). The latter was prepared using silver nitrate as a precursor and PAAm-g-CMS as both reducing and capping agent under alkaline conditions. The synthesized PAAm-g-CMS-AgNPs were assessed by measuring the absorbance of the colloidal solution using UV-vis spectrophotometer. The size and the shape of AgNPs were assessed by TEM. The morphology of PAAm-g-CMS-AgNPs was evaluated by SEM. Thermal stability was evaluated by TGA. Reproducibility of the synthesis method was also tested. Highest absorbance of the colloidal solution of PAAm-g-CMS-AgNPs was obtained when PAAm-g-CMS (Nitrogen content (%) =7.7) concentration of 0.8% (w/v); AgNO3 concentration of 900 ppm; pH 12; temperature 80oC for 3h were used. TEM showed round shape nanoparticles with size varies from 1-11 nm. The PAAm-g-CMS-AgNPs hydrogel powder was prepared from PAAm-g-CMS-AgNPs colloidal solution. The produced PAAm-g-CMS-AgNPs hydrogel showed swelling capacity of 697%.

Keywords: UV; Photo-grafting; Photo-initiator; Carboxymethyl Starch; Acrylamide; PAAm-g-CMS-AgNPs composite; Silver Nanoparticles; hydrogel.

Biography: Prof. Dr. Manal A. El-Sheikh, obtained her Ph.D. degree at Cairo University, Egypt in joint scholarship with Leeds University, UK, in the field of Starch Modification. Manal is working as a Research Professor at the National Research Center (NRC), Egypt. In the last five years till now she is working as a teaching professor of organic chemistry courses at Jouf University, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA). At NRC, she was involved in research work and projects in the field of chemical modifications of carbohydrate polymers, such as synthesis of nanoparticles and their applications in medical textiles, smart textiles, textile finishing, hydrogel, … etc. She worked as PI and member of many local projects in Egypt. She supervised many PhD and MSc theses. Manal has published over 29 scientific articles and serves as a reviewer for several international peer reviewed journals such as Carbohydrate Polymers, International Journal of Biological Macromolecules, Textile Research Journal, Journal of Nanoparticle Research, Arabian Journal of Chemistry, Cellulose, Anti-Cancer Agents in Medicinal Chemistry, …. and others. She is a supervisor of Laboratory unit (girls section) and Ex chemistry department coordinator (girls section) at the Faculty of Science and Arts, Jouf University, KSA. She taught many organic chemistry courses for undergraduate students including: principles of organic chemistry 1, Natural products, heterocyclic compound, polymer chemistry, petrochemical industries, organometallic chemistry, spectra of organic compounds, in addition to research project course at the Faculty of Science and Arts, Jouf University, KSA.