Investigation of Electron Beam Initiated Reactions of Styrenic Block Copolymers

The reactions of styrenic block copolymers (SBCs) under electron beam irradiation were investigated. The molecular weight and the structure of SBCs at various radiation doses were studied. The reaction type was dose dependent. The crosslinking reaction was found to be the predominant reaction at radiation dose up to 240 kGy. At higher radiation doses (>190 kGy), the chain scission reaction took place and the lower molecular weight polysytyrene and polydiene chains were formed.