Role of intermediate species in the formation of ion tracks in PADC: A review

Abstract

This review paper intends at identifying the early processes arising during the formation of a latent ion track in Poly Allyl Diglycol Carbonate (PADC). We briefly summarize the physical and chemical processes specific to the description of the interaction of ionizing radiation with matter. Then we gather published information in relation to PADC response regarding energy absorption and further transient species formation. Emphasis is given to the chemistry of radicals. Due to a lack of available data in relation with clearly identified unpaired electron carriers in PADC, we use data stemming from surrogate molecules. Based on such data we suggest mechanisms for the decomposition of PADC during the early times of ion track formation. The α-sites of ether functional groups in PADC appear undoubtedly as critical targets which during further decomposition behave as the most probable origin of Carbon dioxide release. All suggested mechanisms are multi-step processes. Combining different concepts and data in relation with the dynamics of transient species formed in the ion track of a polymer material, we propose that the effective track radius may be described as the radial extension of reactive species formed rather than the maximum distance at which δ-rays escape out of ion's trajectory. Lastly, generalization of the different processes collected allows two major pathways to be proposed for describing the fate of damaged ether moieties in PADC. This way, evidence is given for a higher sensitivity of ether functional groups compared to ester carbonate ones. The latter generally being destroyed as a consequence of prior damaging of the ether group. Discussion presented here is of interest to the nuclear track community.