Identification of free radicals in irradiated MA-AMPS copolymer

Methacrylamide-2-acrylamido-2-methylpropanesulphonic acid (MA-AMPS) (80:20) is subjected to n -irradiation and the generated free radicals are identified by the electron spin resonance (ESR) technique. The ESR spectrum "obser"ved for MA-AMPS (80:20) has shown a complex line shape, indicating the presence of more than one free radical. Computer simulations are employed to unravel the radicals responsible for the ESR spectrum. Radical "identification has been done with the magnetic parameters employed during computer simulation. The observed ESR spectrum of the copolymer is simulated to be a superposition of component quartet, quintet and singlet spectra. The component spectra are assigned to ～CH 2 - . (CONH 2 )-CH 2 ～ or ～CH 2 - . H-CH 2 ～, . H 3 radicals, "respectively. The possibility of formation of such radicals in the sample material has been discussed.