Investigation of γ-irradiated polyvinylfluoride and polytrifluoroethylene by ESR method

The radiochemical yields of polymer chains in polyvinyl fluoride, in polytrifluoroethylene and in the copolymer of trifluoroethylene with tetrafluoroethylene have been determined. The EPR spectra have been identified and the parameters of the spectra determined. The EPR spectra and the concentration of polymer chains of gamma-irradiated polymers have been studied as a function of temperature. It has been established that the highest rate of destruction of radicals and formation of peroxide radicals in the polymers studied occur in the region of glass-glass transition temperature. The investigations confirm a general tendency to the formation of free radicals during gamma-radiolysis of fluorine-containing polymers and copolymers owing mainly to the detachment of hydrogen atoms. (author)