Mechanisms of chain scission and the role of oxidation products in the oxidative radiolysis of ethylene-propylene copolymer

Many works have been devoted to the photo-oxidation of polyolefins but numerous questions remain. The aim of this paper is to constitute a complementary source of information leading to the radiation oxidation mechanism of these polymers which could explain the chain scission process, the basis of the alteration of mechanical and physical properties of polyolefins. It can be seen from the results that the hydroperoxides and the ketones are primary products of the reaction. A new secondary reaction efficiently leading to the alteration of mechanical properties is proposed. (author) 11 refs.; 3 figs