Photofunctionalization of cellulose and lignocellulose fibres using photoactive organic acids

Photofunctionalization of cellulosic and lignocellulosic fibres on their photoexposure with aqueous solutions of some photoactive organic acids viz. acetic acid, oxalic acid, succinic acid, tartaric acid and citric acid under N2-atmosphere has been studied. The process commonly results in enhancement in the acid (carboxyl) value and ester value of the fibres leading to notable modifications of their textile-related properties. The property modification largely depends on the nature and initial concentration of the organic acids used. Photofunctionalization of the fibres commonly resulted in lowering of tenacity and marginal change in moisture regain property. Photoactive nature of the acids used for modification is found to be retained in the functionalized fibres, which in effect, are able to photoinitiate graft copolymerization of acrylamide without the requirement of the use of an initiator from outside.