Graft Copolymerization of Glycidyl Methacrylate/ Acrylamide Monomer Mixture onto Polyethylene Terephthalate Fibers; Characterization and Investigation of Some Properties

Polymers are highly important materials that are widely used in every aspect of our lives. Through grafting, polymers can be modified with desired monomers to acquire specific properties. Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) fibers possess many favorable characteristics such as cheap raw materials, low production costs, and high resistance to environmental effects. However, they also have disadvantages, such as limited water absorption capacity and dyeability due to their hydrophobic nature. This study aims to improve these negative aspects of PET using the graft copolymerization method. In the study, GMA (glycidyl methacrylate) and AAm (acrylamide) monomers containing different functional groups were grafted onto PET fibers using benzoyl peroxide (BPO) as the initiator. Additionally, lipase enzyme was immobilized on the grafted PET fibers, and the use of this immobilized enzyme in the hydrolysis of various types of oils was investigated. Ungrafted and grafted PET fibers were characterized using Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC), Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA), and Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) to investigate the effects of various parameters on the grafting process. The water retention and dyeability properties of the grafted PET fibers were also demonstrated.