Introduction of poly(2-acrylamide-2-methylpro panesulfonic acid) branches into starch molecules for improving its paste stability, adhesion and desizability

Abstract The objective of this work was to examine the influence of poly (2-acryloylamino-2-methyl-1-propanesulfonic acid) (PAMPS) branches grafted onto starch molecules upon viscosity stability, adhesion and desizability of corn starch for warp sizing. A series of starch-g-PAMPS samples with different grafting ratios were prepared by graft copolymerization of acid-converted starch (ACS) with different amounts of 2-acryloylamino-2-methyl-1-propanesulfonic acid (AMPS), respectively, in an aqueous medium. The influence of the grafted PAMPS branches on the adhesion of starch to cotton and viscose fibers was evaluated by measuring the bonding forces of slightly sized cotton and viscose roving and comparing the adhesion of starch-g-PAMPS samples with that of ACS, according to a legal method (FZ/T 15001–2008). Their influences on viscosity stability and desizability were also evaluated. The desizability was investigated by measuring the time required for breakage of the film in hot water. It was found that starch-g-PAMPS samples were superior to ACS in adhesion to both fibers, viscosity stability and desizability, indicating that the PAMPS branches introduced were able to improve adhesion to the fibers, viscosity stability and desizability of starch. With the rise in grafting ratio, gradually improved bonding forces to both fibers, paste stability and desizability were exhibited. Starch-g-PAMPS showed potential for use as a new starch-based size in the warp sizing of cotton and viscose.