PHOTOINDUCED ACRYLAMIDE GRAFT-POLYMERIZATION ONTO POLYAMIDE-6

The graft copolymer of polyamide (PA) and polyacrylamide (PAA) (with up to 80% PAA) is synthesized by a direct photo-induced graft polymerization in the presence of benzophenone, using profiled PA filament fibers as a matrix. The grafting procedure consists of pretreating fibers in a mixture of benzophenone with organic solvents and then the UV-initiated reaction in monomer solution. The optimal reaction conditions are determined for process efficiency. The grafted polymer distribution in the backbone polymer matrix is followed by SEM and is uniform for the proposed reaction conditions. Modified fibers are characterized by IR-polarization spectra (IR dichroism), TGA, and DTA. There are no changes in the mechanical properties with respect to initial fibers for grafting degrees less than 25% PAA, but there is improvement in fiber hydrophilicity, even at low degrees of grafting.