An electron spin resonance study of the radiation damage of polysulphone

Abstract

Abstract ESR studies of γ‐irradiated polysulphone (prepared from 2.2′‐bis(4‐hydroxyphenyl)‐propane and 4.4′‐dichlorodiphenyl sulphone) and its model compounds (diphenyl sulphone, 2.2′‐diphenyl propane, diphenyl ether), suggest that the majority of radicals produced in the polymer are formed by the subsequent reactions of hydrogen atoms released from the pendant methyl groups by the action of the γ‐radiation. Cyclohexadienyl‐type radicals are produced in quantity together with phenoxy and ArṠO 2 radicals. Supporting evidence for the mechanism is obtained from studies of the hydrogen atom bombardment of the polymer.