Development of reinforced hydrogels - I. Radiation induced graft copolymerization of methylmethacrylate on non-woven polypropylene fabric

Polypropylene (PP) fibers were grafted with methylmethacrylate. Effects of direct and pre-irradiation method and monomer concentration on the degree o f grafting were investigated. The grafted PP fibers were characterized by s welling measurements, IR spectroscopy and by its mechanical and thermal pro perties. It was found that the direct method was more efficient than the in direct or pre-irradiation method and the monomer concentration for highest degree of grafting was 40% of MMA. Mechanical properties (tensile strength) and thermal stability decrease with grafting yield. Those changes were rel ated to degradation of tie molecules between crystals and formation of rigi d branches of PMMA on PP amorphous phase. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science Ltd. Al l rights reserved.