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Degradation of poly(methylmethacrylate) by deep ultraviolet, x-ray, electron beam, and proton beam irradiations

Journal Article · · J. Vac. Sci. Technol., B; (United States)
DOI:https://doi.org/10.1116/1.584071· OSTI ID:6708664
The chemical changes in poly(methylmethacrylate) (PMMA) caused by irradiation with deep ultraviolet (UV), x-ray, electron, and proton beams were studied by gel permeation chromatography, Fourier-transform infrared, and UV spectroscopy. The quantitative analysis of spectroscopic changes (Beer's law) demonstrated a 1:1 correspondence between the disappearance of ester groups and the generation of double bonds in the polymer chain by all types of radiation. The ratio of main chain scission to changes in the number of ester groups and unsaturated bonds was compared to determine the characteristics of degradation of PMMA by the different types of radiation. This ratio for deep UV data was very close to the quantum yield of main chain scission of PMMA as reported in the literature. High-energy radiation was /similar to/0 x more efficient than deep UV in causing main chain scission with removal of fewer ester groups. Protons induced more main chain scission than electrons. X-ray irradiation was the most efficient at causing main chain scission of the four different types of radiation.
Research Organization:
Department of Chemistry, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Troy, New York 12180-3590
OSTI ID:
6708664
Journal Information:
J. Vac. Sci. Technol., B; (United States), Journal Name: J. Vac. Sci. Technol., B; (United States) Vol. 6:6; ISSN JVTBD
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English