Hand rim-propelled manual WC are unsuitable for outdoor ambulation due to low speed and high physiological demand; they are also of little use indoors as they are difficult to maneuver under the environmental conditions and architectural restraints. So, they should not be recommended without proper assessment of the user's activity level and requirements.
SYNOPSISGraft copolymerization of acrylamide on cotton (dialdelyde cellulose, DAC) fibers and fabrics was studied in a limited aqueous system using K,Sz08 as the initiator. Grafting parameters under different sets of conditions were determined and the mechanism of graft copolymerization discussed. Optimum conditions for grafting were established and the effect of polyacrylamide grafting on tenacity, modulus, breaking elongation, and stiffness of the cotton (DAC) fabrics and on their dyeability and moisture regain properties were also studied; 9-10% grafting of polyacrylamide on (DAC) fabric at pH 7-10 imparts an improved balance in its mechanical and other properties. 0 1995 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
I NTRO D U CTl ONReports on graft copolymerization of acrylic monomer such as acrylonitrile, methyl acrylate, and methyl methacrylate are widely available in the literature.'+ Grafting in such cases renders cellulose fibers and fabrics somewhat less hygroscopic or hydrophilic in view of the hydrophobic nature of the relevant grafted-on acrylic polymers. Acrylamide monomer giving a hydrophilic polymer has drawn limited attention for studies in graft copolymerization on cellulose. Likewise, vinyl grafting on oxycellulose has also been studied5-' scantily. It is in this background that studies of graft copolymerization of acrylamide on cotton cellulose fibers and fabrics of a controlled, low degree of oxidation were undertaken and relevant results are reported in this paper.
EXPERIMENTAL
Materials
Cotton CelluloseMill cleaned S-4 quality cotton fiber and a plain weave cotton (poplin) fabric (having an average of * To whom correspondence should be addressed.
Monomer and Other ChemicalsAR-grade acrylamide ( AAm) (monomer), potassium persulfate (initiator), and sodium metaperiodate ( reagent for oxidation of cotton cellulose)were obtained from E. Merck.
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