Electron scattering from hexafluoride molecules: WF6 and C2F6. Absolute total cross section measurements from 1 to 250 eV

Electron-scattering absolute total cross sections for tungsten hexafluoride (WF6) and hexafluorethane (C2F6) molecules have been measured in a linear transmission electron-beam experiment within the impact energy range from a bout 1 to 250 eV. For electron scattering from WF6 the cross section shows a prominent resonant-like peak centred at 3 eV and a very broad enhancement in the energy range between 20 and 70 eV overlaid with some much less pron ounced features. The cross section for C2F6 has two resonant structures at 5 and 9 eV, respectively, and a very broad hump ranging from 20 to 60 eV wi th a distinct shoulder near 20 eV. Comparison of the e(-)-C2F6 total cross section with available low-energy data from other experiments is made. The effect of fluorination is indicated.