Effect of electron scavengers on formation of paramagnetic species upon radiolysis of polystyrene and its low-molecular-weight analogues

Influence of electron acceptors on composition and yields of paramagnetic particles during radiolysis of polystyrene was investigated. Different mechanisms of radical cations (holes) in low-molecular aromatic hydrocarbons and in polystyrene are discussed. It is shown that dimeric radical cations are stabilised in polystyrene, as in the case of benzene, un the presence of electron acceptors at 77 K. The yield of paramagnetic particles grows sufficiently in the presence of small (less, than 1%) quantities of chloroform and benzyl chloride. It is shown that ionic processes contribute much to formation of paramagnetic particles. It is concluded, that radiation stability of polystyrene is largely conditioned both by its chemical composition and association of phenyl nuclei in solid polymer. 20 refs.; 4 figs