The Polymerization of Vinyl Monomers in Cellulosic Fibers

Abstract

A method has been devised for the rapid deposition of vinyl polymers within the fibers of cotton and viscose rayon fabrics. Polymerization is effected by means of a ceric ion-cellulose redox system. Two techniques of polymer deposition are described. A high order of rot and mildew resistance, comparable to that obtained by cyano ethylation, is achieved by polyacrylonitrile deposition. The deposition of polyacryloni trile, polyacrylamide, or polyniethyl acrylate results in no major improvement in the mechanical properties of the fabrics.