ISSN:
0098-1273
Keywords:
Physics
;
Polymer and Materials Science
Source:
Wiley InterScience Backfile Collection 1832-2000
Topics:
Chemistry and Pharmacology
,
Physics
Notes:
A new chlorination mechanism has been suggested for polyethylene crystals. Based on electron microsocopy and infrared spectroscopy of chlorinated high-density polyethylene single crystals, it is proposed that beyond the initial chlorination of the lamellae surfaces, which accounts for only 2-3% chlorine uptake, the reaction proceeds through the lamellar side faces from the periphery inward. Thus at intermediate degrees of chlorination two major phases coexist: the undamaged interior regions of the lamellae and the surrounding chlorinated material. This mechanism differs from that of oxidative degradation, and also from the generally Accepted mechanism of chlorination. Rather than proceeding through the reacted fold surface into the crystalline core, it is proposed that the direction of chemical attack is prependicular to that suggested previously. This mechanism probably describes any chemically nondestructive attack on the crystalline regions of polymers in general.
Additional Material:
4 Ill.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/pol.1984.180220210
