Radiation-Induced Jute–Plastic Composite: Preparation and IR Studies

Abstract

Jute–plastic composite (JPC) has been prepared with tossa jute yarns and methylmethacrylate (MMA) mixed with methanol at different proportions using Co-60 gamma source irradiation. Incorporation of a minute amount (1%) of an additive like NVP, TPGDA, TMPTA, or urea substantially increased the grafting of MMA onto jute yarns. Different characteristic properties such as grafting, tensile properties, water absorption ability, and moisture absorption at different relative humidities have been determined. Both tensile strength (TS) and elongation (E b) of the composite decreased with increased grafting; however, at lower grafting, both TS and E b slightly increased. IR study reveals that MMA has been grafted onto jute cellulose at the sites of OH groups of the jute cellulose backbone.