Characterization of γ-irradiated polychlorotrifluoroethylene by thermomechanical spectrometry

Abstract

Three topological blocks (low- and high-temperature amorphous and crystalline) have been detected for the first time in polychlorotrifluoroethylene with a pseudo-network structure. The molecular weight of the polymer decreases and the crystalline and high-temperature amorphous fractions degrade with an increase in γ-radiation dose. Thermal annealing at 493 K leads to amorphization of the polymer, as well as its radiolysis. However, slow recrystallization of the thermally annealed polymer has been observed during storage at 300 K.