Graft copolymerization of methyl methacrylate onto jute fiber initiated by cerium(IV)-DMSO redox initiator system

The kinetics of graft copolymerization of methyl methacrylate (MMA) onto chemically modified jute fibers initiated by the Ce(IV)-DMSO redox system was studied in the temperature range of 40-60 degrees C. By studying the effects of the concentration of the monomer, Ce(IV), and DMSO on the rate of grafting, the optimum conditions for grafting were determined. Also, the effect of temperature, time, concentration of the acid, the amount of jute fiber, and some inorganic salts and organic solvents on the rate was investigated. A kinetic scheme was proposed on the basis of the experimental findings. Infrared spectra of chemically modified jute and grafted jute was investigated. More than 120% of grafting could be achieved with the present system. The characterization of MMA-grafted chemically modified jute by TGA and DTA studies was made. The thermal stability of the jute fibers was improved by grafting. (C) 1998 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.