ESR studies on the molecular mechanisms of fracture of polymers at low temperatures

Abstract

From the ESR spectra observed from the mechanically-fractured polymers, such as PE, PP, PTFE, and PMMA, the radical species were identified. It was found that the radicals produced by the fracture of the polymers are the radicals formed from the scission of the carbon chains. Other characteristics of the radicals produced by the mechanical fracture of the polymer were found to be a high reactivity with oxygen and some anomalous behavior in the decay process. The molecular mechanisms of the fracture of the polymers were discussed on the basis of the facts established by ESR observation. © 1973, The Society of Polymer Science, Japan. All rights reserved.