Effect of phase condition on the low-temperature radiation-induced degradation of polycarbonate as studied by spectroscopic techniques

Effect of phase condition (crystallinity) on the low-temperature radiation- induced degradation of polycarbonate was studied by electron spin resonance (ESR) and infrared (IR) spectroscopy. Semi-crystalline polycarbonate exhib its lower relative yields of radiation-induced degradation in comparison wi th amorphous polycarbonate, as evidenced by monitoring of both CO and CO2 f ormation (IR spectroscopy), and radical pair formation (ESR spectroscopy). On the basis of results obtained, the mechanism of electron stabilisation i n polycarbonate, and reasons of variation in radical pair inter-spin distan ce are discussed. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.