| Abstract: | The γ irradiation of poly(methacrylate)s with various ester groups at room temperature was investigated by gel permeation chromatography and NMR techniques. The G values for scission and crosslinking for each of the polymers were estimated from the changes in the molecular weights and molecular weight distributions. The new structures formed during γ irradiation were examined by 1H-NMR spectroscopy. All of the investigated poly(alkanemethacrylate)s were found to produce the alkane formates during γ irradiation, and for poly(2-methyl heptyl methacrylate) G(S) was less than 4G(X), indicating gel formation in this polymer. In the investigation of poly(benzyl methacrylate), no formate ester was found, but some small molecule compounds formed from the benzyl radical were detected. The benzyl group was also found to stabilize the polymer against radiation damage. © 1996 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. |
