Graft copolymerization of methyl methacrylate onto poly(ethylene terephthalate) fibers using thallium(III) ions as initiator

Abstract

AbstractGraft copolymerization of methyl methacrylate onto poly(ethylene terephthalate) fibers was investigated in aqueous perchloric acid medium using thallium(III) ions as initiator. The rate of grafting was evaluated varying the concentrations of monomer, initiator, and acid and the temperature. The rate of grafting was found to increase with increase in monomer and initiator concentrations. The graft yield was found to increase with increase in the acid concentration up to 0.49 mL−1, and beyond this concentration it was found to decrease. Increase in temperature resulted in increase in graft yield. From the Arrhenius plot the overall activation energy was found to be 3.76 kcal/mol. The effect of additives such as swelling agents, inorganic salts, different solvents, and inhibitors on graft yield was studied. A suitable kinetic scheme is proposed and a rate equation derived.