Application of target theory for the radiation degradation of mechanical properties of polymer materials Kudoh, H [Japan Atomic Energy Research Inst., Takasaki, Gunma (Japan). Takasaki Radiation Chemistry Research Establishment] 36 MATERIALS SCIENCE; ORGANIC POLYMERS; PHYSICAL RADIATION EFFECTS; ELONGATION; FLEXURAL STRENGTH; PMMA; POLYETHYLENES; RADIATION DOSES; REINFORCED PLASTICS; TEFLON Target theory was developed by radiation biologists to calculate the survival fraction of a cell after exposure to radiation. It is postulated that radiation activates a sensitive portion, the ``target``, of the cell after a certain number of shots. Previous authors have shown how the ideas of target theory may be adapted to describe the degradation in the mechanical properties of irradiated polymers after the nth accumulation of defects such as crosslinking and main chain scission. Using experimental data from previous investigations of the variation with radiation dose of mechanical properties such as elongation and flexural strength, the present study offers an interpretation in target theory terms. The materials involved were polyethylene, polytetrafluoroethylene, polymethylmethacrylate and glass fibre reinforced plastic. (UK). United Kingdom 1996-04-15 English Journal Article Journal Name: Journal of Materials Science Letters; Journal Volume: 15; Journal Issue: 8; Other Information: PBD: 15 Apr 1996 Medium: X; Size: pp. 666-669 https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00264107 [] 8 15 Journal ID: JMSLD5; ISSN 0261-8028; TRN: GB9600875053207 GBN; SCA: 360605; PA: AIX-27:053207; EDB-96:113732; SN: 96001628258 2010-12-29 261786