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Formation of Free Radicals in Polymer Films on Irradiation

Nature volume 178, pages 41–42 (1956)Cite this article

Abstract

IT is known that free radicals may be formed in rigid solvents1–3, and that during the polymerization of acrylonitrile they may become trapped in the polymer4. The relative stability of the radicals under these conditions probably accounts for the instability of cellulose observed5 after exposure to ultra-violet radiation. We have recently been studying the action of light on dyed and undyed films and some of our results are of interest in connexion with the recent observations of Ford6. In the course of our work, undyed films of cellulose acetate (deplasticized, British Celanese), nylon (no plasticizer, hexamethylene diamine – adipic acid, 0.004 in. thick, Du Pont de Nemours) and methylmethoxy nylon (no plasticizer, Imperial Chemical Industries) have been exposed to the effect of heat and/or radiation.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Textile Chemistry, Faculty of Technology, University of Manchester,

    G. S. EGERTON & S. L. FITTON

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  1. G. S. EGERTON
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  2. S. L. FITTON
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EGERTON, G., FITTON, S. Formation of Free Radicals in Polymer Films on Irradiation. Nature 178, 41–42 (1956). https://doi.org/10.1038/178041a0

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