ORNL-2106 - the Molten Salt Energy Technologies Web Site
ORNL-2106 - the Molten Salt Energy Technologies Web Site
ORNL-2106 - the Molten Salt Energy Technologies Web Site
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U could be evacuated was used for this operation<br />
and for transferring <strong>the</strong> specimens to a gas-tight<br />
infrared absorption cell for spectral measurement,<br />
The absorption cell was <strong>the</strong>n opened in air, and<br />
measurements of <strong>the</strong> spectrum were repeated after<br />
various periods of exposure to <strong>the</strong> atmosphere.<br />
As an example of <strong>the</strong> spectral changes observed<br />
in polymers, <strong>the</strong> spectrum of a polystyrene sample<br />
is shown in Fig. 4.2.19. While polystyrene is more<br />
"<br />
Fig. 4.2.19. Infrared Spectra of Polystyrene.<br />
PERIOD ENDING JUNE 10, 1956<br />
resistant to change by radiation than most polymers<br />
are, <strong>the</strong> changes that may be seen in Fig. 4.2.19<br />
are typical of <strong>the</strong> alterations of <strong>the</strong> infrared spectra<br />
by irradiation. Dosages of <strong>the</strong> order of lo8 to 10"<br />
rads were required to produce significant changes<br />
in <strong>the</strong> infrared spectra of most polymers.<br />
A large postirradiation effect was observed in<br />
<strong>the</strong> spectra of polystyrene, GR-S, and natural<br />
rubber. Upon exposure to air following irradiation<br />
in vacuum, oxidation products continued to form<br />
for periods of up to 95 days. These reactions<br />
were indicated by <strong>the</strong> growth of strong hydroxyl<br />
and carbonyl bands. The oxidation products<br />
formed in postirradiation oxidation were different<br />
from those produced by irradiation in oxygen.<br />
Irradiation of polystyrene in vacuum to high<br />
doses produced a wholesale .disruption in which<br />
both <strong>the</strong> aromatic and aliphatic components were<br />
equally affected. On <strong>the</strong> o<strong>the</strong>r hand, <strong>the</strong> aliphatic<br />
component of GR-S (a styrene-butadiene copolymer)<br />
showed a greater percentage change than did<br />
polybutadiene at equal dosages.<br />
All polymers showed significant changes in <strong>the</strong><br />
double-bond region? as a result of irradiation. In<br />
polyethylene, RR,C= CH, groups disappeared as<br />
trans RCH=CHR, groups formed. In GR-S and<br />
polybutadiene <strong>the</strong> number of terminal vinyl groups<br />
decreased and <strong>the</strong> unsaturation in <strong>the</strong> hydrocarbon<br />
chains of GR-S and of natural rubber was de-<br />
creased. Irradiation increased <strong>the</strong> number of tram<br />
RCH=CHR, groups in natural rubber, as it did in<br />
polyethylene. Conjugated and uncon jugated un-<br />
saturation was produced in polyvinyl chloride.<br />
251