In this study poly(vinlyl chloride) (PVC) was modified by using ethylenediamine, diethylenetriamine, and ethanolamine as a crosslinker in dimethylformamide. Reaction variables were optimized for getting desired crosslinked PVC, which was further reacted with maleic anhydride to form graft polymer. The anhydride group on further hydrolysis gives carboxylic group, which can exchange proton with other cations. The polymers were characterized by FTIR spectroscopy and thermal analysis (TGA/DTA). Swelling behavior was examined in various electrolytic solutions. Modified PVC have shown good thermal stabilities and absorption capacities in neutral and acidic media, due to which these polymers might find applications in cation exchanger resin and chromatography. (C) 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 118: 876-880, 2010