Existence of long‐lived radicals in the γ‐radiation induced polymerization of ethylene

Abstract

Abstract In the γ‐radiation‐induced bulk polymerization of ethylene under high pressure, the growing polymer radical is shown to have a long lifetime at low temperatures (30°C.). Separation of the propagation reaction from other elementary reactions is possible. During the propagation reaction the molecular weight of the polymer increases with polymer yield when irradiated with an extremely low dose rate. At elevated temperatures (100°C.), the lifetime of the growing polymer radical is not prolonged.