Formation of layer-like voids in irradiated polytrioxane

The formation of voids and defects is investigated by X-ray diffraction methods, by weight loss measurement and by electron microscopy, for an irradiated polytrioxane (PTOX) obtained by the-ray-induced polymerization of trioxane in the solid state. The main reasons for the formation of the layer-like voids are transverse decomposition at a selective point accessible to the radiation in the micro-fibrils, and the subsequent extensible depolymerization which may occur from the unstable chain end with increase of the radiation dose. The analysis of the SAXS curve for the irradiated PTOX, according to Tsvankin's method gives reasonable results for the void structure, where the reduction of the sub-crystal fraction and also the weight loss of the sample by irradiation are taken into account.