The Radiation Chemistry of Macromolecules

The Radiation Chemistry of Macromolecules, Volume II is a collection of papers that discusses radiation chemistry of specific systems. Part 1 deals with radiation chemistry of substituted vinyl polymers, particularly polypropylene (PP) as its structure is intermediate between polyethylene and polyisobutylene. This part also discusses polypropylene oxide (PPOx) for it can be prepared in the atactic, isotactic, and optically active forms. One paper focuses on the fundamental chemical processes and the changes in physical properties that give rise to many different applications of polystyrene. Another paper analyzes poly(methyl methacrylate) and poly(isobutylene)-two important polymers of nongelling substances subject to radiation. Part 2 describes the radiation chemistry of some miscellaneous polymers including the formation of free radicals and their termination. One paper also considers the radiation chemistry of polytetrafluoroethyle (PTFE), which is widely used in industry. Part 3 discusses the effect of radiation on oxidation, mechanical properties, and physical state of polymers. Part 4 addresses macromolecules, particularly the radiation chemistry of biopolymers because of their role in radiation chemistry. The damage done to biopolymers through radiation can affect the responses of living organisms to ionizing radiation. This book can prove valuable to scientists and researchers in the fields of nuclear biology, nuclear science, microchemistry, and cellular biology.