Some Studies on the Chemical Damage Mechanism along Charged-Particle Tracks in Polymers

A number of experimental studies have been carried out to obtain more information on the chemical damage mechanism along the tracks of charged particles of relatively low LET observed in the more sensitive organic plastics. For example, G-values for free radical production have been measured using a radical scavenging technique; infrared spectroscopy and gas chromatography have been used for qualitative and quantitative analysis of low molecular weight end products of radiolysis as a function of several parameters, and the stability of latent alpha particle tracks has been measured at elevated temperatures. The effect of different agents (influence of oxygen partial pressure and humidity during exposure, and ultraviolet pre- and postirradiation treatment) on the track registration threshold and/or etching kinetics of cellulose nitrate and acetate has also been examined. The possible interpretation of the results is discussed.