The Radiation Chemistry of Cellulose

Abstract

The radiation-chemical transformations of cellulose and the influence of various factors on the efficiency of these processes have been examined. Ionising radiation has a significant influence on the structural–morphological state of the polymer; the nature of the primary radical-ion radiolysis products has been discussed, and a quantitative description of the radiation degradation of cellulose has been given. The mechanism of the radiation-chemical transformations of cellulose, which provide a promising method for treating cellulose-containing raw material for the production of valuable products, has been discussed. The bibliography contains 131 references.