Graft polymerization onto wool fibre for improved functionality

Modification of the properties of natural and synthetic polymers through graft copolymerization has been a subject of interest of researchers for the last few decades. Grafting reactions provide a potential route for significantly altering the physical, mechanical, and biochemical properties of such polymers [1, 2]. Grafting possesses great potential for tailoring material properties to specific end uses. The improvements in properties that have been achieved through grafting include improved dyeability, adhesion to a variety of substances, wash and wear rating, electrical conductance, bacteriocidal properties, settability, tensile properties, thermal stability, biocompatibility, etc.

Graft Copolymerization of Wool Fibers

In an attempt to ascertain the role of SH groups of wool fiber in graft copolymerization, methyl methacrylate (MMA) was graft co-polymerized onto reduced wool by using manganese acetylacetonate (Mn(acac)3) as the initiator in an aqueous medium. The reduction of wool was carried out with thioglycollic acid (TGA) in an aqueous solution. The percentage of grafting was determined as a function of the concentration of Mn(acac)3, MMA, and nitric acid; the extent of reduction of wool by TGA; and the time and temperature. Under optimum conditions methyl methacrylate was grafted to the reduced wool to the extent of 57.0%. Unreduced wool under optimum conditions was reported earlier to afford a maximum grafting of MMA to the extent of 82.5%. The reduction of wool does not promote grafting of MMA onto wool in the presence of Mn(acac)3.

D. S. Sood

Papers

Grafting onto Wool. XXI. Graft Copolymerization of Methyl Methacrylate onto Reduced Wool by Use of Manganese Acetylacetonate as Initiator