Graft Polymerization of Vinyl and Acrylic Monomers in Phosphorylated Cotton Fabric

Abstract

The ion-binding capacity of cotton was readily increased by heating fabric with alkali phosphates to effect phosphoryla tion. Subsequent contact with solutions of redox polymerization initiators then bound the cationic component of the ini tiator to the cellulose. Graft polymerization of olefinic monomers in this phosphorylated, ion-exchanged fabric occurred with high speed and efficiency.

The polymers formed were for the most part durable to solvents, acid, and alkali. At high weight gains, increased flex- abrasion resistance was imparted by polymerization of methyl acrylate in phosphorylated cotton.

Polymerization of bifunctional monomers such as glycidyl acrylate or N-methylolacrylamide within the fibers was similarly accomplished. Delayed curing with acid catalysts then produced cross links between polymer and cellulose. Wrinkle recovery angles of 265°-285° (W+F) were observed at weight gains of 4-11%. Mixtures of monofunctional and

bifunctional monomers could be used in varying ratios, permitting the proportion of cellulose-reactive groups in the resulting graft copolymer to be varied.

Keywords

Cotton fabric vinyl acetate methyl acrylate ethyl acrylate styrene N-methylolacrylamide glycidyl acrylate acrylonitrile diethylene glycol divinyl ether hydroxypropyl methacrylate monomers sodium orthophosphate sodium hexametaphosphate phosphorylating agents reactants. Phosphorylated cotton fabric graft-polymerized cotton fabric cross-linked cotton fabric. Skin eruptions skin blistering failure (rubber gloves). Textile materials. Catalyst H-7(TN)zinc nitrate catalysts hydrogen peroxide oxidant hydrazine initiator ferrous ion initiator cerous ion initia tor stannous ion initiator chromous ion initiator redox initiator. Temperature time concentration pad cure. Phosphorus content polymerization rate polymer addition cross-linking degree durably bound polymer acid durabil ity alkali durability break strength Accelerotor weight loss wrinkle recovery flex abrasion resistance. Physical testing.

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