Improvement of physico-mechanical properties of jute yarn by photografting with 3-(trimethoxysilyl) propylmethacrylate

Abstract Jute yarns were treated with an alkoxy silane monomer 3-(trimethoxysilyl) propylmethacrylate under UV radiation. The monomer concentration and radiation intensity were optimized with respect to the extent of grafting and mechanical properties of the grafted (silanized) jute yarn. The enhanced tensile strength by 159%, elongation-at-break (237%) and polymer grafting (26.2%) were observed when the yarn was treated at 30 wt% silane in methanol under UV radiation for 30 min. The surfaces of both treated and untreated jute yarns were characterized by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), Fourier-Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) and Environmental Scanning Electron Microscopy (ESEM) and it was concluded that the silane reacted or deposited on jute surface as a result of UV radiation. Water uptake and degradation properties of untreated and silanized jute yarn were studied in various conditions such as simulated weathering and in soil containing 25% water. The silanized jute yarn showed lesser water uptake as well as less weight loss and mechanical properties as compared to virgin samples. Keywords: JutephotograftingUV radiationmechanical propertiesbiodegradablesilane.