Graft Copolymerization of Methyl Methacrylate onto Natural Polypeptides (Wool and Silk) in the Presence of Potassium Peroxydiphosphate-2-Amino Ethane Thiol System as Redox Initiator

Abstract

In an attempt to initiate grafting, methyl methacrylate (MMA) has been grafted separately to Chokla wool and Mulberry silk in aqueous medium by using the potassium peroxydiphosphate-2-amino ethane thiol (PP-AET) system as redox initiator. Percent grafting is determined as a function of concentration of MMA, concentration of PP, concentration of AET, concentration of sulfuric acid, time, and temperature. Sulfuric acid is found to catalyze the reaction to a certain extent. The rate of grafting (R_p) and the induction period (I_p) of MMA are determined as a function of the total initial monomer concentration. The moisture regain properties and infrared spectra are studied. The reaction scheme is pictured.