graft copolymerization of acrylamide (am) onto cotton-cellulose has been studied using a new class of acidic peroxo-salt 'potassium monopersulfate' as initiator catalyzed by co(ii). it is observed that the graft yield is influenced by the reaction time, temperature, and concentrations of the monomer, catalyst, initiator, at fixed weight of the polymer. maximum graft yield (30. 8) is obtained at 40 $degree$ c under nitrogen atmosphere for the concentrations of monomer 1. 2 m; initiator 4. 83 $multiplied by$ 10** $minus$ **3m; co(ii) 5 $multiplied by$ 10** $minus$ **4m for 4 h of reaction time the graft copolymers after proper purification have been subjected to ir analysis, testing of their water-retention properties, rot resistance, tensile properties, and behavior towards acids and alkalies. the results of such analysis are compared with the base suitable mechanism for the graft copolymerization is suggested and grafting rate has been evaluated. (author abstract) 27 refs