Temperature effects on gamma initiated polymerization of styrene. III. Conversion in the range 150 to 2000C

Experimental data are presented for the polymerization of commercial styrene in a γ-radiation flux of 20 to 51 rad/sec in the temperature range of 150 to 2000C. At radiation intensities above 20 rad/second, conversion rate is independent of dose rate over the range. Above 1650C, radiation does not enhance the conversion rate but does produce more rapid elimination of residual monomer. Molecular weights of polymer product in this temperature range are too low to be of commercial interest. An optimal temperature range of 110 to 1200C is suggested for the process