Molecular weight distributions in radiation-induced polymerization. VII. γ-ray-induced polymerization of “wet” styrene in the solid state

In the present paper kinetic and molecular weight distribution results are reported for the γ-ray-initiated polymerization of styrene in the solid state. “In-source” polymerization over the temperature range ?35°C to ?55°C and post-polymerization at ?35°C have been investigated for “wet” styrene samples (water concentration ≈ 10^?3 mole/l.). An interesting feature of the solid-state polymerization of styrene is the bimodal nature of the molecular weight distribution. On a qualitative basis the results resemble those obtained previously for the polymerization of rigorously dried (“dry”) styrene. However, there are noticeable differences on a quantitative basis resulting from the considerable difference in the water content between wet and dry samples. On the basis of these studies, the kinetic and molecular weight distribution data have been interpreted as being indicative of polymerization occurring simultaneously via free-radical and cationic mechanisms.