“Molecular” products in the radiolysis of vinyl monomers

Abstract

Radiolytic yields for gas production in styrene were found to be: G(H₂)= 0.018, G(C₂H₂)= 0.0053. These values, which are significantly lower than those measured in benzene which has an electronic structure similar to that of styrene, are assumed to correspond to “molecular” products. In mixtures with cyclohexane, styrene produces a much stronger protection on G(H₂) values than benzene. Styrene also “protects” benzene with respect to G(H₂) and G(C₂H₂). An analysis of the data leads to an estimate of the molecular product yields in benzene: G(H₂)= 0.0195 and G(C₂H₂)= 0.0075. Preliminary data indicate that in methyl methacrylate G(total gas)= 0.51 and G(CH₄)= 0.05.