GRAFT-COPOLYMERIZATION REACTION OF WATER-EMULSIFIED METHYL-METHACRYLATE WITH PREIRRADIATED JUTE FIBER

The graft copolymerization of methyl methacrylate with water-emulsifie d solution onto preirradiated jute fiber was studied. The jute samples were irradiated in the presence of air using a Co-60 source of gamma- radiation. A nonionic surfactant, commercially known as ''Scintron (Tr iton X-114),'' was used as an emulsifier. Homopolymerization was reduc ed by using 2-methyl-2-propene-1-sulfonic acid, sodium salt. The graft copolymerization was found to be dependent on the emulsifier concentr ation, radiation dose, temperature, monomer concentration, and reactio n time. Maximum grafting level was achieved at temperatures in the ran ge of 70-80 degrees C, and the optimal reaction time for maximum graft ing level was found to be between 3 and 5 h, depending on the radiatio n doses. (C) 1997 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.