Radiolysis of poly(vinyl chloride)

Allyl free-radical intermediates are detected by ultraviolet absorption at 255 mu in poly(vinyl chloride) irradiated at ?196°C and stored at 25°C. In vacuum at 25°C, allyl radicals are converted into polyenyl free radicals and polyenes. From the nature of allyl radical decay in vacuum, radical chain transfer between polyenyl radicals and poly(vinyl chloride) is inferred. Allyl and polyenyl free radicals are scavenged by oxygen on post-irradiation storage in air.