Surface modification of coir fibers I: studies on graft copolymerization of methyl methacrylate on to chemically modified coir fibers

Graft copolymerization of methyl methacrylate (MMA) onto chemically modified coir fiber was studied using a CuSO₄–KIO₄ combination as initiator in an aqueous medium in the temperature range of 50–70 °C. Concentrations or [IO₄−] = 0.005 mol/l and [Cu2+] = 0.002 mol/l produce optimum grafting. The effects of time, temperature, amount of coir fiber, some inorganic salts and organic solvents on graft yield have also been investigated. On the basis of experimental findings, a reaction mechanism has been proposed. Evidence of grafting was studied from fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy of chemically modified coir and MMA‐grafted coir. Tensile properties such as maximum stress at break, extension at break and Young's modulus of untreated, defatted, chemically treated and grafted coir fibers were evaluated and compared. Grafted coir fiber showed an increase in tensile properties such as maximum stress at break, extension at break and Young's modulus. Copyright © 1999 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.