Graft copolymerization of vinyl monomers on modified cottons. XVIII. Grafting of methyl methacrylate and acrylonitrile on cotton treated with <i>N</i>‐methylol crosslinking agents using tetravalent cerium as initiator

Abstract

Abstract Ce IV ‐induced grafting of methyl methacrylate and acrylonitrile on cotton fibers crosslinked with dimethylol ethylene urea, dimethylol dihydroxyethylene urea, and dimethylol carbamate was investigated. The graft yields obtained with crosslinked cotton were signifcantly lower than the untreated cotton, irrespective of the crosslinking agent and the monomer used. However, the extent and rate of grafting depended upon the degree of crosslinking and the nature of monomer. Based on the magnitude of grafting and Ce IV consumption during grafting and oxidation of the untreated and crosslinked cottons, the different reactions occurring during grafting of vinyl monomers on these modified cottons were elucidated.