Abstract
AbstractDilute deaerated aqueous polyethylene oxide solutions have been irradiated with 60Co γ‐rays. The concentration dependence of the gel dose, the dose required for gelation, was found to vary with the initial molecular weight of the polymer used. For low molecular weight polymer, with increasing polymer concentration the gel dose fell rapidly to its lowest value at the critical concentration, ccrit, and thereafter increased. High molecular weight material showed similar behaviour below ccrit, but the gel dose varied little with addition of polymer for concentrations not far above ccrit. These results are interpreted in terms of a proposed theory which considers the intermolecular crosslinking process to be diffusion controlled below ccrit, and to depend on the packing of discrete, non‐interpenetrating polymer molecules not far above ccrit. Literature data on the radiation induced gelation of deaerated aqueous polyvinyl alcohol solutions can also be satisfactorily treated with the proposed theory.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
