36—NEW CATALYSTS FOR GRAFT-COPOLYMER FORMATION IN WOOL FIBRES

A new method for the initiation of graft copolymerization of acrylonitrile inside the wool fibre has been developed by using as catalysts the adducts formed between bis(acetylacetonato) copperII and either ammonium trichloroacetate or trichloroacetic acid. The former catalyst has the simpler kinetics, but polymergrafting is frequently accompanied by the formation of homopolymer. Catalysis by trichloracetic acid is more difficult to interpret and control, but its successful application leads to efficient grafting, with large weight increases and retention of a good colour by the wool. Comparison between wool-grafting and polymerization experiments in solution shows that the environment inside the wool fibre modifies the reaction kinetits.