Grafting vinyl monomers onto wool fibers. VIII. Graft copolymerization of methyl methacrylate onto wool using peroxydiphosphate–fructose redox system

Abstract

The graft copolymerization of methyl methacrylate onto wool fibers was investigated in aqueous solution using the peroxydiphosphate–fructose redox system. The rate of grafting was determined by varying monomer, acidity of the medium, temperature, nature of wool, and reaction medium. The graft yield increases with increase in peroxydiphosphate concentration. With increase in concentration of fructose up to 7.5 × 10−4 mole/l., there is a significant increase in graft yield; and with further increase in concentration of fructose the graft yield decreases. The graft yield increases with increase in monomer concentration up to 65.72 × 10−2 mole/l. and decreases thereafter. The grafting is considerably influenced by chemical modification prior to grafting. The effect of acid, temperature, and solvent on the rate of grafting has been investigated and a suitable rate expression has been derived.