Poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) is a well-known biomedical polymer and is biocompatible. Methylmethacrylate and acrylic acid monomers were grafted onto PVA using a Ce(IV)-glucose redox system at three different temperatures (35, 45, and 55 degrees C) under nitrogen atmosphere. More than 80% grafting could be achieved in the process. The grafted PVA was characterized through infrared spectra, thermal decomposition studies [thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and decomposition thermal grafting (DTG)], differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The thermal stability and other properties of grafted PVA related to medical applications was found to be better than those of ungrafted PVA.