Mechanical studies of methyl methacrylate treated jute and flax fibers under UV radiation

Abstract

Jute and flax fibers were improved under UV radiation using methyl methacrylate (MMA) mixed with methanol (MeOH). There was a 30% enhancement of tenacity for these fibers against 3–8% grafting of MMA with the fibers. Incorporation of 1% of one of the additives 2-ethyl hexyl acrylate (EHA), urea (U), or N-vinylpyrrolidone to MMA + MeOH solution increased the grafting very slightly and enhanced the tenacity of jute by 110% and flax by 50%. Enhancement of elongation of the treated fibers was up to 30%. © 1998 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 70: 843–848, 1998