Effect of electron-beam irradiation on poly(2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate).

[Display omitted] • Electron-beam irradiation up to 100 kGy has an insignificant on chemical structure of poly(HEMA). • Intrinsic viscosity measurements and size exclusion chromatography confirmed the propensity to undergo chain scission. • The radiation sensitivity of poly(HEMA) is thought to be due to the limited ester side chain mobility hindering radical recombination as well as hydrogen bonding. • Acetaldehyde and carboxyl compounds were identified as the main products of polymer radiolysis. The understanding of the radiation-induced degradation mechanisms of polymers is essential towards developing new application implying radiation technology. This study reports on the effect of electron-beam (EB) radiation on linear poly(2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate) upon exposure to 5–100 kGy doses. Various spectroscopic and analytic methods were used to monitor the effects of EB radiation to assess poly(HEMA) reactivity during irradiation in the solid amorphous state. Intrinsic viscosity measurements and molecular weight (MW) determination using size exclusion chromatography (SEC) confirmed the propensity to undergo chain scission. The radiolytic yields for cross-linking and scission were assessed. Spectroscopic data allow to propose a reasonable mechanism accounting for these observations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]