Radiochemical graft copolymerization of methacrylonitrile and binary mixture of methacrylonitrile with 4-vinylpyridine onto isotactic polypropylene fiber

Graft copolymerization of methacrylonitrile (MAN) and its binary mixture with 4-vinylpyridine (4-VP) onto isotactic polypropylene (IPP) fiber has been studied in aqueous medium by the preirradiation method. Optimum conditions for obtaining the maximum percentage of grafting have been evaluated. Rate of grafting (Rg) has been determined as a function of total initial monomer concentration. The graft copolymers are characterized by IR spectroscopy, by thermogravimetric analysis, and by isolating the polymer from the graft copolymer. The effect of MAN, an acceptor monomer, on percentage of grafting of 4-VP, a donor monomer, has been discussed in the light of the mechanism proposed for grafting by the radiochemical method. © 1994 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.