Effect of evolved hydrogen fluoride on radiation-induced crosslinking and dehydrofluorination of poly(vinylidene fluoride)

Poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVdF) was irradiated by ⁶⁰Co γ-rays with and without potassium hydroxide (KOH) under vacum. KOH tablets were added to absorb completely hydrogen fluoride (HF) which is the main volatile product of radiolysis of PVdF in the irradiation cell. In the presence of HF, the rates of radiation-induced crosslinking and dehydrofluorination of PVdF were lower than those in the absence of HF. The experimental results are discussed from the standpoint of stabilization of alkyl free radicals in PVdF by reaction with hydrogen fluoride.