Textile properties of cotton cellulose graft copolymers and terpolymers

Abstract Cotton cellulose graft copolymers and terpolymers were prepared by radiation initiated processes. Monomers copolymerized with irradiated cellulose from solutions of methanol‐water were: methacrylic acid (MAA), methacrylonitrile (MAN), and hexafluoroisopropyl acrylate (6FIPA). Cotton cellulose, immersed in solutions of N‐vinyl carbazole (NVC) in 1,2‐dichloroethane, was irradiated to form a copolymer. Terpolymers prepared were; cellulose‐poly(MAA)‐poly(MAN), cellulose‐poly(MAA)‐poly(6FIPA), and cellulose‐poly(MAN)‐poly(6FIPA). Textile properties of the cotton fabric copolymers and terpolymers determined included: flex and flat abrasion resistance, breaking strength, and water repellency. The properties of the cellulose copolymers and terpolymers were related to chemical structures of the monomers used and the glass transition temperatures of their homopolymers.