GRAFTING OF METHACRYLIC-ACID TO LOOMSTATE VISCOSE FABRIC USING KMNO4 NACLO2 SYSTEM

Graft polymerization of methacrylic acid (MAA) to loomstate viscose fa bric (greige fabric) using KMnO4/NaClO2 system was studied. Residual t hiocarbonate and/or sizing materials on the fabric as well as presence of NaClO2 act in favor of primary radical formation which, in turn, a ccelerate formation of cellulose macroradicals capable of initiating g rafting. The polymerization reaction was studied with respect to polym er yield, graft yield, homopolymer, total conversion, and graft effici ency. The magnitude of each of these characteristics was found to depe nd upon parameters such as concentrations of KMnO4, NaClO2, and MAA as well as liquor ratio, reaction time, and temperature of polymerizatio n. By and large all these parameters enhance the polymerization proces s with the exception of the liquor ratio. A reaction mechanism for the polymerization reaction is also reported. (C) 1995 John Wiley and Son s, Inc.