Graft copolymerization of mixtures of acrylamide and methyl, methacrylate on dialdehyde cellulose (DAC) from cotton in a limited aqueous system

Grafting of copolymers of methyl methacrylate (MMA) and acrylamide (AAm) on cellulose substrate (dialdehyde cellulose, DAC) of low degree of oxidation using K2S2O8 as initiator in a limited aqueous system allows a wide range of modification of properties of the fibre/fabric depending on composition of the copolymer grafted and amount of grafting. Preliminary studies relate to optimization of the overall grafting process. Grafted DAC produced under optimum conditions shows improved and moderate moisture regain, slightly enhanced and steady bending length (stiffness), somewhat low but stable dyeability with a reactive dye and a good blend of high tenacity and high modulus, retaining high elongation at break.