Thermophysical Properties of Irradiated Polymers

The effect of ionising radiation on the specific heat, thermal conductivity, thermal diffusivity, and density of partially crystalline (polyethylene, polypropylene, polytetrafluoro-ethylene) and of amorphous polymers (polystyrene, poly(methyl methacrylate)) is discussed. Analytical models of the mechanism of heat conduction, and the development of anisotropic thermal conductivity in amorphous polymers, are examined. The influence of ionising radiation on the thermophysical properties of composite materials is analysed. 79 references.