The Ceric Ion Method of Grafting Acrylic Acid to Cellulose

The ceric ion method of grafting acrylic acid to cellulose was extended to rayon filaments. Experimental procedures were designed to optimize grafting yields and minimize homopolymer formation. The fiber sample was pretreated with an aqueous solution of ceric ammonium sulfate. This was followed by a washing step to remove excess ceric solution at the fiber surfaces. The grafting reaction was carried out in toluene to reduce homopolymer formation. Grafting yields of approximately 40% were obtained with grafting efficiencies in excess of 92%. Among the variables examined were the ceric ammonium sulfate concentration, acrylic acid concentration, reaction time and reaction temperature.