Free Radical-Induced Graft Copolymerization onto Natural Fibers

Surface modification of a natural cellulosic polymer system is required to improve the physicochemical properties of the fibers to be used as reinforcement for green composite applications. Surface modification through graft copolymerization improves the existing properties of the cellulosic fibers for a number of applications. Therefore, in the present study, an attempt was made to synthesize butyl acrylate (BA)-g-Saccaharum cilliare fibers using a redox initiator. Graft copolymers were characterized through FT-IR/SEM/TGA/DTA/DTG techniques, and the effect of grafting percentage on the water absorption properties of raw as well as grafted fibers was also investigated.