| Abstract: | Changes in density and in the corresponding degree of crystallinity with radiation dose are studied experimentally for γ-irradiated polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) in the dose range from 1 X 103 to 1 X 109 R. The relation between the amorphous fraction and the radiation dose is derived from a quantitative analysis of cold crystallization by scission of polymer backbone chains. The characteristic radiation dose, at which one break occurs on the average per initial molecule, is estimated as about 3 X 104 R on the basis of a derived kinetic equation. The theoretical relation is modified by considering microvoids produced in the irradiated samples. The radii of microvoids in the form of spheres are evaluated as about 0.2 nm, and are also related to cage spheres relevant to the chain scission process. Good agreement between the modified theoretical relation and experimental data is attained over the entire range of radiation dose. |
