| Abstract: | Kinetics of radiation-induced grafting of acrylamide (Aam) and acrylic acid (Aa) to nylon 6 fabric were investigated employing a mutual radiation technique. Copper sulfate was used as the radical scavenger to reduce homopolymer formation. Formic acid was used for swelling, and its effect on grafting was studied. Maximum amount of grafting was doubled when formic acid was used for swelling nylon prior to, but not during, irradiation. The rate of grafting was not significantly affected if it was carried out in an atmosphere of air instead of nitrogen. The effect of monomer concentration, dose rate, and total dose on grafting has been studied. Rate of grafting was significantly higher when lower dose rates and monomer concentrations were used. Saturation grafting was proportional to monomer concentration up to 2.1M. Initial rate of grafting was proportional to monomer concentration. The rate of grafting of Aam was proportional to the dose rate to the power 0.25–1.0. A synergestic effect was noticed during grafting with mixtures of Aam and Aa (80:20; 20:80). Grafted fabrics showed considerable increase in moisture regain. Dyeability and tensile properties of the grafted fabrics were not significantly affected by grafting. Aa-grafted fabrics did not melt up to 320°C, whereas untreated nylon melts at 215°C. |
