Abstract
A study was made of effects of 60Co γ-radiation on the average mol. wt. and the structure of AS polyethelene obtained with amyl-sodium catalyst according to the process of C. D. Nenizescu and co-workers. Examination was made of the viscosimetric characteristics, and the i.r. and electron spin resonance (ESR) absorption spectra for samples irradiated at room temperature and in the presence of air. The spectra were recorded immediately after irradiation and after various lengths of storage at different temperatures. The ionizing radiation causes an oxidative degradation of AS polyethylene, shown by the decrease of the average mol. wt., and the appearance of characteristic i.r. absorption bands for oxygen-containing groups. The ESR spectra indicate the existence of allyl, alkyl and polyenyl radicals. During storage of the irradiated AS polyethylene especially at high temperature (80°), a slight increase of the oxidative degradation process can be observed.
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