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Density profiling: a new technique for understanding oxidation effects in polymers. [Gamma radiation]

Technical Report ·
OSTI ID:6630904

A density gradient column can be very useful for studying degradation processes occurring in polymers. Its capability for measuring the density of very small samples makes it ideal for investigating inhomogeneous degradation mechanisms such as diffusion-limited oxidation. This mechanism, which often plays an important role in the oxidative degradation of materials, can be induced by radiation, heat, light or other environmental stress. Studies on an ethylene propylene rubber (EPR) insulation, which was known to have radiation dose-rate effects over at least three orders of magnitude of dose rates (1 Mrad/h to 1 krad/h), showed that oxygen diffusion effects were important above approximately 100 krad/h. A second inhomogeneous mechanism, likely involving copper-catalyzed oxidation, was responsible for the continuation of the dose-rate effects below 100 krad/h. 4 figures.

Research Organization:
Sandia National Labs., Albuquerque, NM (USA)
DOE Contract Number:
AC04-76DP00789
OSTI ID:
6630904
Report Number(s):
SAND-82-2513C; CONF-830303-7; ON: DE83002556
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English