Cellulosic polymers, copolymers and grafts, are disclosed that adhere to fibers and surfaces during an aqueous treatment process. The cellulosic polymers having grafts and/or co-blocks are prepared using living-type free radical polymerization techniques, which provides control over the degree of substitution and graft/co-block composition and structure. These cellulosic polymers allow for the modification of fibers and surfaces to provide a desired effect.