Journal of Applied Polymer Science, Vol.65, No.5, 967-977, 1997
Modification of Polyester Fibers by Grafting with Poly(Acrylic Acid)
The grafting of acrylic acid on PET using benzoyl peroxide has been investigated. The influence of the main parameters of grafting, the effect of additives on the degree of grafting, and the amount of homopolymer formed during the process have been determined. Futhermore, the values of apparent activation energy have been calculated. Also, the influence of the degree of grafting on the moisture sorption and swelling of modified fibers have been determined. By an additional treatment of the grafted fibers with antibiotics it is possible to provide the fibers with antibacterial properties. Liberation of antibiotics from fibers into solutions has been examined and mathematically described.