The quaternary ammonium fibers which could remove Cr(VI) ions rapidly were prepared by radiation-induced grafting of 2-(dimethylamino)ethyl methacrylate (DMAEMA) onto polypropylene (PP) fibers (PP-g-DMAEMA) and modifying with 1-bromoalkanes. The FTIR, FESEM, XPS and TG-DTG spectra manifested that the quaternary ammonium group was introduced onto the surface of PP fibers. The main factors influencing the adsorption of Cr(VI) ions including contact time, pH of the aqueous solution and adsorption dosage were investigated. The removal rate could reach 97% within 4 min and the kinetics study indicated that adsorption process was surface reaction controlled. Maximum adsorption capacities of Cr(VI) ions at 25 degrees C were 105.8 mg/g based on the Langmuir isotherms. These results suggested that the quaternary ammonium fibers have potential application for the removal of hazardous metal pollutants from wastewater highly and rapidly. (C) 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.