γ‐radiolysis of acetylated cotton cellulose: An ESR study

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Abstract
The nature and behavior of free radicals induced in acetylated cotton celluloses irradiated with γ‐rays have been studied by electron spin resonance (ESR) spectroscopy. Dehydrogenation and deacetylation appear to be responsible for the free radicals observed from samples irradiated at 77°K. The degree of substitution enhanced the yield of acetyl radicals when the samples were irradiated at 77°K and adversely affected the overall radical concentration when irradiation was done at 300°K. In addition, the ESR spectra of samples irradiated under vacuum at 300°K were more intense than those obtained from samples irradiated in air. The nature, yield, and post‐irradiation behavior of the primary radicals are discussed in the light of the ultimate chemical effects observed.