Electron spin resonance study of polyglycols

Abstract
Polyethylene glycols and polypropylene glycols were irradiated with gamma‐rays from a 60Co source at 77°K. Electron spin resonance spectra of the free radicals produced were recorded. It was found that the rupture in the polymer chain takes place at *CC and CO bonds. The radicals identified were OCH2 in polyethylene glycols and mainly magnified image in polypropylene glycols. Thermal decay of these radicals followed a second‐order law, and the decay constant calculated was k = 2.32 × 105 cm.3 mole−1 sec.−1 A complete discussion of the results is presented.