Radiolysis of n-perfluoroalkanes and polytetrafluoroethylene

The reason for radiolysis differences between linear perfluoroalkanes (PFAs ) and their hydrocarbon analogues (namely, the lower by an order of magnitu de radiation-chemical yield for PFAs in comparison with their hydrocarbon a nalogues) is due to the feasibility of stabilization the radicals of the ty pe -CF2. CF2. The possibility of double bonds acting as a trap for atomic f luorine to protect the fluoropolymers from radiative damage has been demons trated. It has been shown that the presence of a double bond in a perfluoro carbon molecule, on the one hand, increases the yield of stabilized radical s under radiolysis and, on the other hand, decreases the damage to the prin cipal carbon chain in the molecule. Both these interrelated effects are the consequence of reaction of F atoms formed during radiolysis with the doubl e bond. (C) 1999 Elsevier Science S.A. All rights reserved.