Radiation Chemistry Of Polymeric Systems

Part of the series "New Concepts in Polymer Science", this volume contains information on the main theoretical and practical problems involved in radiation chemistry of polymers. The processes of polymerization and modification of polymers by grafting, crosslinking and degradation, induced by ionizing radiation, are all described, as well as the radiation resistance of polymers and their protection from radiation. The book also contains applications of radiation chemistry of polymers, such as: principles of selection of radiation-chemical processes for industrial use; choice of radiation sources for specific processes; modification of textile and film materials by grafting; manufacturing of heat-shrinkable, thermostable and mechanically strong polymer products; composites; rubber vulcanizates and self-adhesive products; paints and coatings; man-made fibres; materials for microelectronics; and polymer materials for medical purposes.

Radiation Effects in Materials, Volume 1: Atomic Radiation and Polymers considers the theoretical and experimental studies on the association between polymers and atomic radiation. The use of radiation in polymer science constitutes a powerful tool for the quantitative study of macromolecules. This book consists of 31 chapters, and starts with a brief introduction to fundamentals of atomic radiation and polymer structure. The next chapters focus on some aspect of atomic radiation, including radiation units, radiation-matter interaction, and nuclear and electrical sources of radiation. A chapter presents the appropriate methods to study radiation chemistry and polymer. Considerable chapters are devoted to the molecular structure, chemistry, and reactions of polymers. This volume also describes some significant chemical changes of radiation. Other chapters explore the properties and reactions of various irradiated polymers. The remaining chapters deal with radiation protection effects in polymers, which are processes wherein small changes in chemical structure within a molecule or in its neighborhood can exert a disproportionately large influence on the overall chemical reactions. This book is of value to nuclear and solid state physicists, organic and polymer chemists, and nuclear engineers and radiobiologists.

This text examines the effect of radiation on polymers and the versatility of its industrial applications. By helping readers understand and solve problems associated with radiation processing of polymers, it serves as an important reference and fills a gap in the literature. Radiation processing can significantly improve important properties of polymers, however, there are still misconceptions about processing polymers by using ionizing radiation. This book explains the radiation processing of polymeric materials used in many industrial products including cars, airplanes, computers, and TVs. It even addresses emerging "green" issues like biomaterials and hydrogels.

The Radiation Chemistry of Macromolecules, Volume II is a collection of papers that discusses radiation chemistry of specific systems. Part 1 deals with radiation chemistry of substituted vinyl polymers, particularly polypropylene (PP) as its structure is intermediate between polyethylene and polyisobutylene. This part also discusses polypropylene oxide (PPOx) for it can be prepared in the atactic, isotactic, and optically active forms. One paper focuses on the fundamental chemical processes and the changes in physical properties that give rise to many different applications of polystyrene. Another paper analyzes poly(methyl methacrylate) and poly(isobutylene)—two important polymers of nongelling substances subject to radiation. Part 2 describes the radiation chemistry of some miscellaneous polymers including the formation of free radicals and their termination. One paper also considers the radiation chemistry of polytetrafluoroethyle (PTFE), which is widely used in industry. Part 3 discusses the effect of radiation on oxidation, mechanical properties, and physical state of polymers. Part 4 addresses macromolecules, particularly the radiation chemistry of biopolymers because of their role in radiation chemistry. The damage done to biopolymers through radiation can affect the responses of living organisms to ionizing radiation. This book can prove valuable to scientists and researchers in the fields of nuclear biology, nuclear science, microchemistry, and cellular biology.

Atomic Radiation and Polymers examines the effects of radiation on polymer materials. The title deals with chemical changes that took place when polymers are exposed to radiation, and how these changes affect the physical properties of the polymers. The text first covers the interaction of radiation and matter, along with radiation sources and dosimetry. Next, the selection deals with the general properties of long chain polymers. The text also details the organic molecules and irradiated polymers. Chapters 22 to 24 tackle the radiation-induced changes in nuclear chain reaction, while Chapter 25 discusses the irradiation of polymers in solution where both direct and indirect effects occur. The next series of chapters details the theoretical aspects of reactions between the initial acts of ionization or excitation. The last two chapters cover the conductivity change at low radiation intensities, along with the data on radiation damage at very high intensities. The book will be of great interest to researchers and practitioners from the field of nuclear science and polymer technology.

During the twentieth century, radiation chemistry emerged as a multi-faceted field encompassing all areas of science. Radiation chemical techniques are becoming increasingly popular and are being routinely used not only by chemists but also by biologists, polymer scientists, etc. "Radiation Chemistry: Present Status and Future Trends" presents an overall view of the different aspects of the subject. The chapters review the current status of the field and present the future opportunities in utilizing radiation chemical techniques. This will be of interest to chemists in general and in particular to radiation chemists, chemical kineticists, photochemists, physical-organic chemists and spectroscopists. In view of the diverse nature of the field, the book is a multi-authored effort by several experts in their particular areas of research. Six main areas, both basic and applied, were identified and the book is organized around them. The topics were selected in terms of their relative importance and the contribution of radiation chemistry to the general areas of chemistry, biology and physics. The topics covered are as diverse as gas phase radiation chemistry, the use of radiation chemical techniques, the treatment of water pollutants, the chemical basis of radiation biology, and muonium chemistry. The book also contains an update of the next generation electron accelerators.

Different aspects of basic research and R&D were presented during the meeting on "Advances in Radiation Chemistry of Polymers" held at the Notre Dame Radiation Laboratory, University of Notre Dame, Indiana, USA, and this publication contains the proceedings of this meeting. This publication is the most up to date available on the subject.