Grafting onto wool X. Graft copolymerization of vinyl acetate and methyl acrylate in presence of potassium persulphate — ferrous ammonium sulphate (KPS‐FAS) system as redox initiator

Abstract

Abstract Graft copolymerization of vinyl acetate (VAC) and methyl acrylate (MA) onto Himachali wool was studied at 40, 45, 50, and 60°C in aqueous medium by using (KPS‐FAS) system as redox initiator. The maximum grafting of both VAC and MA occurred at 60°C. The nature of vinyl monomer was found to influence grafting. The percentage of grafting was determined as functions of (a) concentration of monomer, (b) molar ratio of FAS/KPS, (c) reaction time and (d) temperature. Maximum grafting of both VAC and MA occurred at a molar ratio of FAS:KPS = 0.713 : 1. The rate of grafting (Rp) and the induction period (Ip) of VAC and MA were determined as a function of total initial monomer concentration. MA, an acceptor monomer was found to be several times more reactive than VAC, a donor monomer.