| Abstract: | Poly(methyl methacrylate) free of initiators was synthesized by γ-irradiation and cast into transparent films. The samples were investigated by ns pulse radiolysis at various temperatures, and by ESR spectroscopy after γ irradiation at 77°K. Short-lived transients with optical absorptions at 440 and 725 nm were observed. The 440 nm absorption has been ascribed to the cation and the 725 nm absorption (εG = 3000 M?1 cm?1 (100 eV)?1, τ1/2 = 190 ns at ?13°C, Ea = 6.5 kcal/mol) to the anion. These assignments are based on ESR data of samples of poly(methyl methacrylate) and pivalic acid methyl ester deuterated at the ester deuterated at the ester and α-methyl groups, respectively, and subjected to thermal annealing and photobleaching. The anion decomposes on photobleaching by loss of the ester ·CH3 radical, and the cation is proposed to decay by loss of the ·CH3 radical from the α-methyl group. The thermal decay of the anion is discussed. |
