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

The effect of electron scavengers on the composition and the yields of paramagnetic species upon the radiolysis of polystyrene was examined. Various mechanisms of the reactions of radical cations (holes) in low-molecular-weight aromatic hydrocarbons and polystyrene are discussed. The dimeric radical cations were found to be trapped in polystyrene and benzene irradiated in the presence of electron scavengers at 77 K. The yield of paramagnetic species was shown to increase markedly in the presence of small amounts (<1%) of chloroform of benzyl chloride. The results obtained show that the ionic processes make a large contribution to the formation of paramagnetic species. It is concluded that the radiation resistance of polystyrene is due not only to its chemical structure, but to the association of phenyl rings in the solid polymer