Radiation Chemistry Of Polymers

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.