Graft copolymerization of vinyl monomers onto nylon 6 fibers by simultaneous .GAMMA.-ray irradiation.

Abstract

Vinyl monomers, such as styrene, methyl methacrylate, methyl acrylate, vinyl acetate, acrylonitrile, and acrylamide, were grafted onto nylon 6 fibers by a simultaneous γ-ray irradiation technique. The effects of various additives on the apparent percent graft as well as on the molecular weight and mole number of grafted vinyl polymer branches were investigated. The molecular weight of the grafted vinyl polymer branch was determined by the limiting viscosity number of the branch polymer obtained by selective hydrolysis of the backbone nylon 6. The apparent percent graft of the grafted polystyrene increased by adding methanol, ethanol, acetic acid, or propionic acid to styrene monomer. The maximum amount of the apparent graft was obtained at the 1:1 mixture of styrene and methanol. The additive which behaved as a good swelling agent to nylon 6 and, at the same time, as a precipitant to polystyrene gave higher apparent percent graft. The apparent percent graft of vinyl monomers except vinyl acetate was increased by adding methanol or ethanol to the monomers.