Formation of Nanostructures in Highly Irradiated Poly (Vinyl Chloride)

Different samples of PVC irradiated with γ-rays at higher dose up to 20 MGy were investigated. Structures fluctuating among nanowires, nanotubes and onion-like structures were found throughout different areas of the observed samples. To our knowledge, it is the first investigation which claims the existence of such structures. Moreover, the structures are associated mainly with 2H-graphite, C10Cl10 and an unidentified phase, which we assume is composed of C=CCl-C. Research is ongoing in order to identify this carbonaceous phase.