Radiation induced degradation of polymethacrylic acid in aqueous solution

Abstract

Pulse radiolysis and 60Co λ-irradiation studies have been carried out on aqueous solutions of polymethacrylic acid (PMA). The viscosities of the solutions are decreased showing that C-C bond scission takes place. It is shown that the ·OH radical is responsible for the degradation process by first forming a polymer radical which subsequently degrades with k=1.8×10 4 sec −1 to give an unsaturated product and a stable free radical. Viscosity measurements shows that 1.6 ·OH radicals are required for each CC bond breakage. The effects of several additives on the polymer degradation were studied and a tentative mechanism for the degradation process suggested.