| Abstract: | A sample of polystyrene with narrow molecular weight distribution (M?w/M?n = 1.03) has been formed into a 3-mm sheet and subjected to γ-irradiation at 25°C in air. Simultaneous crosslinking and scission of polymer chains resulted. Analyses by velocity and equilibrium sedimentation, gelpermeation chromatography, and osmometry of the polystyrene subjected to doses in the range 0-90 Mrad, all within the pre-gel region, have yielded average values of G(S) = G(X) = 0.022 ± 0.002 for the complete sample. Combination of these various experimental techniques has been successful in yielding consistent values of G(S) and G(X) and should be applicable with advantage to other polymers, particularly when neither G(S) nor G(X) is zero. The wide variation in literature values of G(S) and G(X) for irradiation of polystyrene under vacuum precludes any unequivocal conclusion on the effect of air on the radiation yields. |
