The oxidation of poly(propy1ene) following gamma irradiation was studied by means of electron spin resonance spectroscopy, hydroperoxide analysis and oxygen absorption measurements. Most peroxy radicals trapped after irradiation are mobile and decay within a week as a consequence of a migration process involving oxygen absorption and production of hydroperoxides. During that initial stage, the rate of oxygen absorption decreases proportionally to the peroxy radical concentration. Afterwards, the concentration of peroxy radicals becomes practically stationary and the rates of oxygen absorption and of hydroperoxide production remain constant for more than a year. That second stage of post-irradiation oxidation of poly(propy1ene) is initiated by the slow decomposition of clustered hydroperoxides that proceeds even in the dark at room temperature.
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