Radiation-induced network formation in polymers

The topological approach to radiation crosslinking of polymers is based on research of the transition from one topological form of macromolecules to another form, especially from a branched to a network form. The different types of transition and different threshold doses are considered. On the basis of the statistical physics of macromolecules, a conclusion about the network formation through cycles of definite size was made. The dependence of properties of radiation-crosslinked polymers on characteristics of topological forms was studied. The characteristics of topological forms for some polymers [poly(vinylchloride), block copolymers, and polyethylene] were determined. (C) 1996 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.