Research Article

Surface Modification and Characterisation of Industrial Hemp Preform with Fenton-Initiated Free Radical Methyl Methacrylate Graft Copolymerisation

Mohammed J. Bello1*, Jamila B. Ali1, Muktari, S2, Danladi A3, Hussaini D. Ibrahim4
1 Department of Polymer and Textile Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria
2 Department of Polymer and Textile Engineering, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Nigeria.
3 Department of Polymer and Textile Engineering, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Nigeria
4 Raw Materials Research and Development Council, Maitama, Abuja.
* Corresponding author: mobellojiyah1920@gmail.com
Published: Jun, 2026
DOI: 10.67637/njt.2026.p4zljl0z
Pages: 1-15
Views: 25
Downloads: 31

Abstract

In this study, free radical graft copolymerization of methyl methacrylate (MMA) ontoindustrial hemp (Ihemp) preform was successfully performed using Fenton’s reagent(hydrogen peroxide, H₂O₂, as initiator and ferrous ammonium sulfate, (NH₄)₂Fe(SO₄)₂ꞏ6H₂O,as co-catalyst) under an inert nitrogen atmosphere in aqueous medium. The homopolymerformed during the reaction was removed by acetone extraction. The grafting percentage andgrafting efficiency obtained were 21.5 % and 44.2%, respectively. These values wereachieved when 10g of Ihemp preform was copolymerized with 5mL of MMA monomer at50°C for 90 minutes using 2g of ferrous ammonium sulfate dissolved in 250mL of distilledwater. The grafted copolymers were characterised by Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy(FTIR), thermogravimetric analysis/differential thermogravimetry (TGA/DTG), and scanningelectron microscopy (SEM). The appearance of a new absorption peak at 1724cm⁻¹ in theFTIR spectrum and the SEM micrographs confirmed that the Ihemp preform surface wasalmost completely covered by poly(methyl methacrylate) after grafting.

Keywords

Free radical graft copolymerization Industrial hemp MMA monomer 2D woven preform surface modification

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How to Cite

Bello, M. J., Ali, J. B., S, M., A, D., & Ibrahim, H. D. (2026). Surface Modification and Characterisation of Industrial Hemp Preform with Fenton-Initiated Free Radical Methyl Methacrylate Graft Copolymerisation. Nigerian Journal of Textiles, 12(1), 1-15. https://doi.org/10.67637/njt.2026.p4zljl0z

M. J. Bello, J. B. Ali, M. S, D. A, and H. D. Ibrahim, "Surface Modification and Characterisation of Industrial Hemp Preform with Fenton-Initiated Free Radical Methyl Methacrylate Graft Copolymerisation," Nigerian Journal of Textiles, vol. 12, no. 1, pp. 1-15, June 2026. doi: 10.67637/njt.2026.p4zljl0z

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