RAFT-Mediated Radiation Grafting on Natural Fibers in Aqueous Emulsion

Abstract

Using aqueous emulsion as the medium in radiation-induced graft polymerization (RIGP) offers an environment-friendly shift from organic solvents while increasing polymerization efficiency through known water radiolysis-based graft initiation. In the present paper, we further extend the applicability of RIGP in emulsion under the influence of reversible addition fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) mechanisms. Emulsions prepared with Tween 20 showed good colloidal stability for several hours. Subjecting it to simultaneous irradiation with abaca fibers resulted in successful grafting, supported by gravimetric, IR, SEM, and TG analysis. A correlation was drawn between smaller monomer micelles and the enhancement of grafting driven by diffusion and surface area coverage. RAFT mechanisms were also conserved based on molecular weight evolution. RAFT-mediated RIGP in aqueous emulsion shows good potential as a versatile and green surface modification technique for natural fibers for various functional applications.