Electron Spin Resonance Studies of Irradiated High Polymers: Polyethylene

Molecular structures and the behaviours of the free radicals produced in irradiated polyethylene were investigated by means of electron spin resonance. ESR spectra of high polymers are, in general, so complicated that the identifications of h. f. s. of the spectral patterns observed are difficult. Rather reasonable interpretations were, however, made for polyethylene. Variations of spectral shape and spectral intensities at various temperatures were discussed in connection with the identification of the free radicals produced and some of the irradiation effects in polyethylene.