The preirradiation method of grafting has been established by ultraviolet radiation. Methyl methacrylate (MMA) was grafted onto jute fiber in an aqueous medium. The variation of graft weight with UV-radiation time, monomer concentration, and reaction time was investigated. The conversion of monomer into homopolymer and graft copolymer was evaluated. The graft weight passes through a maximum value (similar to 122%) with UV-radiation time. The optimum value of the monomer concentration was evaluated for maximum degree of grafting. Graft copolymerization of MMA onto lignocellulose fiber significantly increases the elongation at break (similar to 65%) compared to that of the "as-received" sample. However, a linear decrease on breaking load was observed with the increase of graft weight. The estimation of degree of grafting was achieved using an IR technique by correlating band intensities with the degree of grafting. Considering the water-absorption property, the grafted sample showed a maximum up to 61% decrease in hydrophilicity compared to that of the as-received sample. (C) 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.