Changes produced in γ-irradiated polyethylene by subsequent ultraviolet irradiation have been investigated by ESR measurements, ultraviolet spectroscopy, and viscometric determination of average molecular weight. The photoinduced changes depend on the wavelength of irradiation. Upon irradiation at wave length greater than 3900 Å, main-chain scission occurs by reaction of trapped allylic radicals: A reduction in molecular weight sndicated by this reaction was verified by fractionation experiments and molecular weight determinations.
