The graft copolymerization of acrylamide (AAm) monomer onto polyethylene-coated polypropylene (PE-co-PP) nonwoven fabric was carried out by the mutual irradiation method. The general peculiarities of the grafting have been studied by gravimetric, scanning electron microscope (SEM), mechanical properties, and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) methods. The influence of absorbed dose, dose rate, as well as the monomer concentration on the degree of crafting has been determined. Metal ions uptake of Cu2+, Co2+, Ni2+ by the grafted fabrics was evaluated. (c) 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.