Radiation-induced degradation of poly(styrene-co-methylmethacrylate) and blends of polystyrene and polymethylmethacrylate

Abstract

The γ-ray-induced degradation of poly(styrene-co-methyl-methacrylate) [poly(St-co-MMA)] and blends of polystyrene (PSt) and polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) was investigated by ultraviolet (UV), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy and viscosity measurements. The optical density around 250 nm decreases linearly with the electron fraction of PSt in the blends, but this does not hold in case of the degradation of poly(St-co-MMA). Similar trends are seen for the decrease in the amount of ester groups, oxidation product formation and the number of chain scission (Cs). A protective effect due to the St component was observed in case of the degradation of poly(St-co-MMA), but it was not observed for the blends. The spatial extent of protection affected by St unit was deduced by assuming a random distribution of MMA and St throughout the copolymer molecule.