ABSTRACT
The effects of radiation (ionizing and ultraviolet) on fluoropolymers are the subject of this chapter. This includes effects on all fluoroplastics and fluoroelastomers. More specifically, the types included are perfluoroplastics, other fluoroplastics, fluorocarbon elastomers, and fluorosilicone elastomers. These effects might be beneficial, such as cross-linking and improving strength and hardness of the material, but, on the other hand, they may cause degradation, leading to reduction of strength, frequently caused by chain scission or other destructive reactions. In many cases the radiation may affect the properties and appearance of products from the above polymers and/or formulations made from them.
