Graft Copolymerization of Methyl Methacrylate onto Poly(Ethylene Terephthalate) Fibers Using Benzoyl Peroxide

Abstract

The graft copolymerization of methyl methacrylate onto poly(ethylene terephthalate) fibers has been studied using benzoyl peroxide as initiator. The grafting reactions were carried out within the 70 to 90°C temperature range, and the variations of graft yield with monomer and initiator concentrations were also investigated. The overall activation energy for grafting was calculated as 34.1 kcal/mol. The results of dyeability with the disperse dye suggested that diffusion into the fiber structure was moderately difficult when the graft yield reached 14?15%. The maximum graft yield was obtained at a benzoyl peroxide concentration of 4.00 × 10^?3 M. The decomposition temperature values obtained from thermogravimetric analysis show that the thermal stability of poly(ethylene terephthalate) fibers decreased as a result of grafting. Further, such change in the properties of methyl methacrylate grafted fibers as density, diameter, and moisture regain were also determined.