Irradiation of poly(vinyl alcohol) fibers in the presence of chloroform and carbon tetrachloride

Radiolysis of poly(vinyl alcohol) fibers (PVA) in the presence of chloroform and carbon tetrachloride was investigated. Decrease in intrinsic viscosity was observed at lower dosages (up to 2.3 megarads); and above this, an increase was noted. The blank samples irradiated under similar conditions showed a continuous decrease in intrinsic viscosity. A discoloration in the samples irradiated in the presence of CCl4 and CHCl3 was also observed. It is attributed to double bond formation in the backbone. A marginal decrease in the tensile strength of the irradiated fibers was observed. However, the surface characteristics of the fibers did not change on irradiation. The thermogravimetric analysis revealed a better heat resistance in irradiated fibers