Abstract

Graft copolymers of acrylonitrile on secondary cellulosic fiber were synthesized in aqueous medium by Fe+2-hydrogen peroxide system as initiator. Grafting of cellulosic xanthogenate were also prepared. The graft copolymers were characterized by elemental analysis, FT-IR spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis and scanning electron microscopy. The following parameters of copolymerization were studied: cellulose: acrylonitrile ratio,Fe+2--H2O2, concentration pH, temperature and time of reaction. Their effects were also discussed. Grafting percentages higher than 85% were obtained in the best condition of the reaction. The obtained fibrous products were coloured or white, with a compact association of fibers. These products showed higher thermal stability than those of the secondary cellulosic fiber.