Hydrolytic modification of acrylic fibre-Influence of reaction conditions

Abstract

The chemical modification of acrylic fibre was carried out by alkaline hydrolysis under different reaction conditions. The partial conversion of nitrile groups into carboxylic acid groups was studied as a function of the time and temperature of the reaction. It was found that the hydrolysis reaction is a complex process where side reactions involving the cyclization of hydrolyzed groups become a dominant factor. The formation of various products during the process of hydrolysis was ascertained by infrared spectroscopy. The crystalline changes and mechanical strength of the fibres as a function of the reaction conditions were also evaluated. The modified fibre showed excellent water retention in deionized and saline water.