Gamma irradiation of polymers of arly and alkary methacrylates and acrylates

Abstract Poly(benzyl methacrylate) and poly(phenyl methacrylate) appear to degrade exclusively on gamma irradiation; energies for main‐chain, carbon‐carbon bond breaking are 711 and 228 e.v., respectively, which indicates a strong protective effect of the benzene ring. Poly(phenyl acrylate) requires higher doses to cause gelation than do poly(benzyl acrylate) and poly(phenylethyl acrylate), the latter behaving similarly to poly( n ‐alkyl acrylates). Absence of hydrogen on the carbon adjacent to the ester link appears to be required to affect the radiation behavior of polyacrylates.