Graft Copolymerization of Textile Fibers

Graft copolymerization attaches polymer side chains to fiber backbones to impart new functional properties. Cellulosic fibers are grafted using ceric ammonium nitrate (CAN at 0.01–0.05 mol/L) with monomers like acrylic acid or acrylonitrile at 30–60°C, achieving grafting efficiency of 40–80% and add-on of 5–30% owf. Properties improved include hydrophobicity, dyeability, antimicrobial activity, and flame retardancy. Wool grafting with HEMA improves shrink resistance by 60–70%. Radiation-induced grafting via gamma or UV achieves uniform fiber penetration for ion-exchange textile filter applications.