Reactive intermediates formed by ionizing radiation in polymers

3 Reactive intermediates formed by ionizing radiation in polymers 

Trapped free radicals were discovered in irradiated polymers many years ago. Their lifetime at room temperature varies from fractions of a second to years. The radicals that are short-lived at room temperature can often be observed at liquid nitrogen temperature and their rate of 

Since the energies of ionizing radiations greatly exceed the ionization potential of atoms and molecules, ions and electrons are produced. They have been observed in some cases at low temperature and are usually very short-lived at room temperature. They have been studied mainly by electron spin resonance, absorption spectroscopy and pulse radiolysis. Recombination of opposite charges on warming usually produces light emission known as thermoluminescence. 

Excited singlet and triplet states are also produced during irradiation. Their characteristic emission and reactions have been observed and are, in some cases, used in scintillation counting. 

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