Degradation of polycarbonates. II. Effect of radiation on model compounds

The synthesis of a series of model compounds related to poly[2,2‐propanebis(4‐phenyl)‐carbonate] is described. Exposure of these compounds to electron beam irradiation and analysis of the products showed that degradation occurs predominantly at the carbonate grouping; reaction schemes are proposed for the products isolated. On the basis of these results and earlier work the radiation stability of the polymer is attributed mainly to its aromatic character, but it is suggested that radical recombination reactions are an important factor in reducing the degree of chain scission.