In-source and post-irradiation polymerization of acenaphthylene in the solid state

Radiation-induced solid state polymerization of acenaphthylene was studied by using ⁶⁰Co γ-rays. The extent of polymerization at room temperature reached 68% when acenaphthylene was irradiated with a dose of 2–5 MGy. Prolonged exposure to the radiation decreased the molecular weight of the polymers. The post-polymerization of acenaphthylene was found to occur at relatively high temperatures close to the melting point of acenaphthylene. Absence of an effective termination step allows the enhancement of post-polymerization at higher temperatures after a limiting conversion is accomplished.