Graft copolymerization of acrylamide and acrylic acid onto jute fibre using potassium persulphate as initiator

Graft copolymerization of vinyl monomers, acrylamide and acrylic acid onto jute fibre has been carried out in an aqueous medium using potassium persulphate as an initiator, under the catalytic influence of FeSO4, in nitrogen atmosphere. In order to obtain optimum condition for jute grafting, the effects of the monomer, initiator, catalyst, time and temperature, have been studied. The grafting degrees are found to depend on the above mentioned variables; the maximum percent grafting of acrylamide and acrylic acid, obtained under effective optimum condition are of 18.52 and 15.6%, respectively. From the experimental results, a mechanism for graft initiation and termination has been established. Grafting has a favourable influence on the tenacity, colour fastness and other properties of jute fibre.