INFLUENCE OF N-ACETYLGLYCINE ON THE KINETICS OF THE CERIC ION-INITIATED GRAFT-COPOLYMERIZATION OF ACRYLONITRILE AND METHYL-METHACRYLATE ONTO JUTE FIBERS

The influence of N-acetylglycine on the kinetics of graft copolymerization of acrylonitrile (AN) and methyl methacrylate (MMA) onto chemically modified jute fibers was studied in the temperature range 40-60-degrees-C. The optimum conditions for grafting have been determined by studying the effects of concentrations of monomers, Ce (IV), and N-acetylglycine on the rate of grafting. Besides the effect of time, temperature, and concentration of the acid, the amount of jute fibers and some organic solvents and inorganic salts on the rate of grafting has been investigated. On the basis of experimental findings, a kinetic scheme has been proposed. Infrared spectra of chemically modified jute and grafted jute have been investigated. More than 185 % graft yield could be achieved with the present system. Grafting has improved the thermal stability of jute fibers. (C) 1994 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.