Electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) study of free radicals in irradiated zinc poly methacrylate

We report the analysis of the X-band EPR spectrum of the free radical species formed in Zn(II) polymethacrylate (Zn(II) PMA), after degradation was induced in this polymer by 60Co γ- radiation at room temperature. We begin by describing the synthesis and characterization of our samples and its polymerization before applying them several doses to induce degradation. Doses from 10 to 100 kGy in steps of 10 kGy were applied to the samples. At 10 kGy dose, the EPR spectrum shows the superimposed spectra of two species, namely: a typical pattern of an axially symmetrical singlet and a broad symmetric single line. The former can be attributed to peroxide radicals. After applying further doses, the EPR spectra of the samples display a series of superimposed lines on top of the mentioned axial singlet and the broad line. In these spectra, we recognize three sets of lines: a weak doublet, a quartet and quintet in addition to the already detected axially symmetrical line and the broad singlet. These can be assigned to scission radicals trapped in the polymeric matrix.