Induction of physico-chemical properties in mercerized Yucca filamentosa fiber-based graft copolymer through response surface methodology and its characterization

This research article describes the physicochemical modification of mercerized Yucca filamentosa (Yfm) fiber by graft copolymerization with ethylmethacrylate, using ferrous ammonium sulfate-potassium persulfate (FAS-KPS) as a redox initiator. Initially, six process parameters; reaction duration, reaction temperature, solvent amount, pH, FAS:KPS ratio, and monomer concentration were used in the study in a sequential experimental design technique, and the significant process variables affecting the yield of the graft copolymer were identified. The resolution-V design method identified the significant parameters as the reaction temperature, amount of solvent, and the concentration of monomer. In second phase of the study, the screened variables were utilized in the development of a model through the technique of response surface methodology (RSM) for the prediction of the yields, and its optimization. The developed RSM model fitted well with the experimental data, and predicted for the optimal conditions of reactions as reaction duration 120 min, pH 7.0, and the monomer 2.96 x 10-3 mol/L; at which the highest graft yield percentage obtained was 133.7%. The techniques of FTIR, SEM, and XRD were used for the characterization of untreated fiber, mercerized fiber, and graft copolymers. Studies of the various physico-chemical properties showed that the produced graft copolymers were more resistant to acid and base than the both natural and mercerized fibers.