Effect of Electron Beam Irradiation on Triallyl Isocyanurate Grafting and Thermo-mechanical Properties of Sheep Wool Fabric

In this study, we explored the impact of electron beam (EB) radiation doses on Triallyl Isocyanurate (TAIC) grafting onto sheep wool fabric at room temperature and investigated the Thermo-mechanical properties. We varied the EB doses from 50 to 400 kilogray (kGy), with consistent critical parameters, such as TAIC monomer, methanol, and water solvent concentrations, during padding. We observed a steady increase in grafting yield correlating positively with the applied EB doses up to 150 kGy, beyond which the yield plateaued at around 12% despite higher EB doses. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) images of the irradiated samples showcased a uniform distribution of TAIC and its oligomers on the Wool Fiber surfaces. Through energy-dispersive X-ray (EDX) analysis, the presence of TAIC was confirmed by detecting C, N, and O elements. Attenuated total reflection fourier-transform infrared (ATR-FTIR) spectroscopy indicated chemical alterations in the hydrocarbons, thiol, amides, and disulfides of the EB-irradiated wool polymer, affirming the grafting and chain scission reactions. Thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA) demonstrated increased thermal stability of the EB-irradiated Wool Fibers to a higher temperature range. We noted changes in the mechanical properties of yarns and stiffness of wool fabrics correlated with the applied EB doses and grafting yield. However, the study determined that a 150 kGy EB dose was optimal for effective wool grafting with the given monomer and solvent concentrations.