Surface modification of henequen (Agave fourcroydes) fibers by ultraviolet curing with 2‐hydroxyethylacrylate and ethylacrylate: Effect of additives on degradable properties

AbstractHenequen fibers were grafted with a double impregnating monomer 2‐hydroxyethylacrylate (HEA) and ethylacrylate (EA) to improve the physicomechanical properties. The fibers soaked in different concentration (1–10%) of monomer + MeOH solution along with photoinitiator Irgacure 907 [2%] were cured under ultraviolet (UV) lamp at different UV radiation intensities (2–14 passes). Concentration of monomer at different radiation intensities was optimized with extent of mechanical properties such as polymer loading, tensile strength, and elongation at break. Enhanced tensile strength (268%) and elongation at break (110%) were achieved by the polymer treated fibers than untreated virgin fibers. We observed that, henequen fibers treated by 3% EA showed better physico‐mechanical properties than those treated by 5% HEA. The tensile properties of henequen fibers treated by 3% EA can be enhanced by adding aloxysilane; 3‐(trimethoxysilyl) propylmethacrylate additives with bulk monomer EA (3%). The degradability of the treated and untreated fibers due to accelerated weathering were also studied and it has been found that surface modified henequen fibers produced more resistivity towards different weathering conditions than untreated fibers. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 102: 4000–4006, 2006