Functional Modification of Jute Fiber by Enzymatic Grafting of Gallate Esters

Abstract

To improve the interfacial compatibility between the hydrophobic polymer matrix and the jute fiber as a composite reinforcement, laccase-mediated hydrophobic modification of jute fiber by grafting gallate monomers was performed. The influence of pH, temperature, reaction time, laccase, monomer concentrations, and Cu²⁺ concentration on grafting percentage of jute was investigated to optimize the grafting process. The grafting products were characterized by infrared spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy. The Hydrophobicity of jute before and after grafting were determined. Gallate monomers were successfully grafted onto jute fiber. Moreover, an ideal grafting percentage can be obtained for jute through process optimization. Jute-dodecyl gallate graft shows the optimum hydrophobicity (water contact angle = 127.8; wetting time > 30 min).