Radiation induced polymerization

Fundamental aspects of radiation induced polymerization are reviewed. In addition, some recent progress on the study of the mechanism of radiation induced cationic polymerization is introduced, and the possible mechanism for the initiation, propagation steps is proposed. The significant progress in this field is due to pulse radiolysis technique. Applying this technique, one can observe directly several transient species which play important roles in the early stage of polymerization. Finally, applied research in this field is mentioned. There are several products which were synthesized firstly by radiation polymerization. Some of those products have been found to have excellent properties for their practical uses, and are now being produced as commercial products. Two examples of fluoropolymers are introduced. (author)