Amylose radiation effect

The effects of y-radiation on the depolymerization and selected physical properties of amylose in the solid state and in solution have been investigated under conditions of graft copolymerization. Irradiation furnished an alkali-sensitive material (G-value for scission 2.8), most likely owing to the presence of a j8-alkoxycarbonyl structure. The G-value (1.3) obtained on irradiation of solid amylose at 0 °C under nitrogen is lower than values previously reported for amylose and other polysaccharides. A solution of amylose in water was protected against y-radiation by the addition of DMSO (G-value of 2.3 vs. 30). A solvent system of DMSO-acetic acid-water degraded y-irradiated amylose less than did aqueous DMSO. 

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