An Investigation into the Effects of Graft Polymerisation of Vinyl Monomers to Wool

The grafting of vinyl monomers to wool to confer shrink-resistance can have a number of side effects, notably changes in dye uptake, tensile behaviour and handle. This work investigated these phenomena as a method of improving specific fibre properties. In addition, an attempt was made to develop a system of industrial, rather than purely scientific, significance. Several systems were examined, in particular a highly efficient and selective system using the redox couple potassium bromate and cobalt diacetate, with monomers such as methyl-, ethyl- and butyl-methacrylate. The effects of co-solvents such as acetone and diethyleneglycol monobutylether were also studied. A novel ‘limiting volume’ model was developed to describe the various stages through which the grafting process proceeds, which explains the observed results, particularly at high levels of grafting where polymer growth is ‘forced’ onto the fibre surface