Grafting of Methyl Acrylate and Methyl Methacrylate onto Jute fiber: Physico-Chemical Characteristics of the Grafted Jute

Abstract

The graft copolymerization of methyl acrylate and methyl methacrylate vinyl monomers onto jute fiber using potassium persulfate and ferrous sulfate redox system was investigated in an aqueous medium. Optimized reaction conditions for the graft copolymerization were established for parameter variables, of monomer concentration, initiator concentration, catalyst concentration, reaction time, and reaction temperature. The grafting degrees were found to depend on the above mentioned variables. A maximum graft yield of 17.3% for MA and 19.4% for MMA was obtained under effective optimized conditions for grafting. The attachment of the monomer on the grafted fiber was confirmed by FTIR studies. Dyeing was affected by monomer characteristics, and due to the development of hydrophobic nature on jute fiber by grafting, a lower amount of dye absorption occurred. Grafting has a favorable influence on tenacity, color fastness, and other properties of jute fiber.