Radiolysis of linear model compounds of polyamides

Six oligomers of ε-aminocaproic acid (ACA) from dimer (K2) to heptamer (K7), gamma-irradiated in an oxygen-free atmosphere, were investigated by electron spin resonance method. The oligomers were synthesized and irradiated with 60Co gamma rays in the dose range from 0 to 6.5 kGy. The formation of -CH2-CONH-CH-CH2- radical was established. The quantitative determinations of total concentrations of spins were carried out. The competition of the reactions of detachment of hydrogen and of breaking of -CONH- bond is discussed. The mass spectrometry of unirradiated ACA and ACA oligomers K2-K4 was carried out. The results indicate a minute contribution of ionic process in the radiolysis of ACA oligomers in solid phase. (author) 7 refs.; 5 figs.; 3 tabs