The graft copolymerization of methyl methacrylate and ethyl methacrylate monomers onto jute fiber was carried out in an aqueous medium with potassium persulfate as an initiator under the catalytic influence of ferrous sulfate in the presence of air. The effects of parameter variables, such as the monomer, initiator, and catalyst concentrations, the reaction time, and the temperature, on grafting and the effect of grafting the monomers onto jute constituents were studied. The degree of grafting depended on the kinds of monomers and the parameter variables. The maximum graft yield percentages with methyl methacrylate and ethyl methacrylate under optimized conditions were 18.9 and 38.80%, respectively, and the grafting onto jute fiber was largely affected by one of its main constituents, such as hemicellulose. The graft copolymers were characterized, and their improved properties were also examined. (c) 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.