Coatings update: Scientific studies—part2

Abstract

A large number of new analytical techniques have proved themselves at least potentially useful in coatings research. One of these, investigated by Jilek [Progress in Organic Coatings, 5, 2 (1977) p. 97], is described as ortho‐positronium annihilation. The positronium atom results from the combination of an electron with a positron whose energy level has been diminished through successive collisions. The positronium atom can be thought of as a hydrogen isotope where the nucleus has been replaced by the positron. The positronium atom will eventually annihilate with an electron and, in so doing, it will release energy in the form of gamma rays. Thus, one possibility for use of the positronium ion is to determine crosslink density of a polymer. If in fact it can be used for this it will be an extremely valuable tool, for the degree of crosslink density is not easily determined by known techniques, and work that has been done is largely empirical. The author proposes that positronium annihilation could provide a means for studying comparative crosslink densities and polymers.

Citation

Americus (1980), "Coatings update: Scientific studies—part2", Pigment & Resin Technology, Vol. 9 No. 11, pp. 17-20. https://doi.org/10.1108/eb041643