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Synthesis and characterization of temperature‐responsive copolymers based on N ‐vinylcaprolactam and their grafting on fibres
Author(s) -
Crespy Daniel,
Golosova Anastasia,
Makhaeva Elena,
Khokhlov Alexei R,
Fortunato Giuseppino,
Rossi René
Publication year - 2009
Publication title -
polymer international
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.592
H-Index - 105
eISSN - 1097-0126
pISSN - 0959-8103
DOI - 10.1002/pi.2668
Subject(s) - copolymer , materials science , grafting , polymer chemistry , monomer , methacrylic acid , chemical engineering , acryloyl chloride , poly(methacrylic acid) , polymerization , polymer , composite material , acrylate , engineering
Abstract BACKGROUND: Responsive materials are able to respond reversibly to an environmental stimulus. When the stimulus is temperature in the physiological range, the responsive material is particularly interesting for textile applications. We describe here the synthesis and characterization of reactive temperature‐responsive copolymers and their subsequent grafting on cotton fabrics. RESULTS: Copolymers of N ‐vinylcaprolactam and various reactive monomers were synthesized via free radical polymerization in solution. The copolymers were characterized in terms of chemical structure, molecular weight and temperature‐responsive properties. The copolymer of N ‐vinylcaprolactam and methacrylic acid (11 or 22 wt%) and the hydrolysed copolymer of N ‐vinylcaprolactam and acryloyl chloride were found to be temperature responsive. They were subsequently grafted on cotton fabrics. The grafting was studied using X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy measurements and was found to be effective. Finally, the modified cotton fabrics were found to exhibit temperature‐responsive water regain and water vapour transmission rates. CONCLUSION: Temperature‐responsive copolymers were synthesized, characterized and successfully grafted on cotton fabrics, yielding responsive fabrics. Such fabrics can hence be used to modulate the skin microclimate under textiles. Copyright © 2009 Society of Chemical Industry