Grafting onto wool. XXVIII. Effects of acids on gamma-radiation induced graft copolymerization of ethylmethacrylate onto wool fiber

Graft copolymerization of ethylmethacrylate (EMA) onto Himachali wool fiber has been investigated in aqueous medium by mutual gamma irradiation from a Co⁶⁰ source in air and in nitrogen atmosphere. Percentage of grafting has been evaluated as a function of (i) total dose, (ii) concentration of monomer, and (iii) effect of concentration of different acids such as hydrochloric acid, sulfuric acid, nitric acid, perchloric acid, and acetic acid. Maximum percentage of grafting has been obtained in the presence of sulfuric acid. Following reactivity order of different acids towards grafting has been observed: H₂SO₄ > HCI > HNO₃ > HCIO₄ > CH₃COOH. A plausible mechanism to explain the effect of acids on percentage of grafting of EMA has been suggested.