Radiation effects structure spectroscopy

The physico-chemical changes induced in polymers following exposure to radiation can be studied by a range of spectroscopic techniques. Recent developments in instrumentation and data analysis procedures in electronic, vibrational and magnetic resonance spectroscopies have provided considerable new insights into polymer structure and behaviour. The application of these spectroscopic methods in polymer studies are reviewed with emphasis on their utility in investigations of radiation effects on macromolecules. 

In respect of radiation effects in polymers, the primary application of NMR spectroscopy is in chemical analysis to determine the changes in chemical structure which may occur on exposure. 

The effect of ionizing radiation on molecular or ionic solids is to eject electrons, which often subsequently react at sites in the material well removed from the residual electron-loss centre. These electron-loss and electron-gain centres, or breakdown products thereof, are paramagnetic and have been extensively studied by e.s.r. spectroscopy. Results for a wide range of organo metals both as pure compounds and as dilute solid solutions are used to illustrate this action. Aspects of the electronic structures of these centres are derived from the spectra and aspects of redox mechanisms are discussed. 

EXAFS (Extended X-Ray Absorption Fine Structure). Characterization of the surface of metal nanoparticles had been limited to chemical methods, e.g., chemisorption of hydrogen and carbon monoxide. In 1970s, the situation was surprisingly changed due to the advances in x-ray absorption spectroscopy, especially extended x-ray absorption fine structure (EXAFS), Advances in this method have been achieved with the use of synchrotron radiation, which runs effectively at Tsukuba (Japan), Grenoble (France), etc. Now it is one of the most valuable tools to get structural information on bimetallic nanoparticles. 

The major kinds of spectroscopy used for structural analysis of organic compounds are listed in Table 9-1. The range of frequencies of the absorbed radiation are shown, as well as the effect produced by the radiation and specific kind of information that is utilized in structural analysis. After a brief account of the principles of spectroscopy, we will describe the methods that are of greatest utility to practical laboratory work. Nonetheless, it is very important to be aware of the other, less routine, methods that can be used to solve special problems, and some of these are discussed in this and in Chapters 19 and 27. 

The data of atomic spectroscopy are of extreme importance in revealing the nature of quantum-electrodynamical effects. For the investigation of many-electron atoms and ions, it is of great importance to combine theoretical and experimental methods. Therefore, the methods used must be universal and accurate. A number of physical characteristics of the many-electron atom (e.g., a complete set of quantum numbers) may be found only on the basis of theoretical considerations. In many cases the mathematical modelling of physical objects and processes using modern computers may successfully replace the corresponding experiments. In this book we shall describe the contemporary state of the theory of many-electron atoms and ions, the peculiarities of their structure and spectra as well as the processes of their interaction with radiation, and some applications. 

IR spectroscopy can be used to characterise not only different rubbers, but also to understand the structural changes due to the chemical modification of the rubbers. The chemical methods normally used to modify rubbers include hydrogenation, halogenation, hydrosilylation, phosphonylation and sulfonation. The effects of oxidation, weathering and radiation on the polymer structure can be studied with the help of infrared spectroscopy. Formation of ionic polymers and ionomeric polyblends behaving as thermoplastic elastomers can be followed by this method. Infrared spectroscopy in conjunction with other techniques is an important tool to characterise polymeric materials. 

Waychunas, G. A. (1987) Synchrotron radiation XANES spectroscopy of Ti in minerals Effects of Ti bonding differences, Ti valence and site geometry on absorption edge structure. Amer. Mineral., 72, 89-101. 

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