| Abstract: | The mechanism of γ-initiated oxidation of solid poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO) has been investigated, and an overall reaction scheme has been developed which accounts for most of the experimental observations. Data are correlated on the basis that the oxidation process is the sum of two reactions that are first-order and half-order in rate of initiation. They provide evidence that a significant fraction of the interactions of α-alkoxyalkylperoxy radicals is nonterminating at ambient temperature and yield free alkoxy radicals that are very subject to β scission. The unimolecular decomposition of secondary peroxy radicals, which has been invoked previously for the oxidation of PEO in solution, is not needed to explain the products of the oxidation of PEO in the solid phase. Approximately 90% of the total oxygen consumption has been accounted for by the observed products of oxidation. The radiochemical yield for backbone radical formation in irradiated PEO was estimated to be 6.5 ± 1.5. |
