Radiation chemistry

Radiation chemistry is the study of the chemical effects of ionizing radiation. This is different to radiochemistry which is the study of chemistry in which radioactivity is used.

Examples of radiation chemistry include.

1. The conversion of water to hydrogen and hydrogen peroxide by the action of radiation.

2. The alteration of a polymer by radiation, for instance it is possible to cause a polymer to become cross linked by gamma irradation. In addition it is possible to shorten a polymer by irradation and in some cases it is possible to cause a monomer such as styrene to form a polymer by irradation.

3. The generation of reactive species within a biological system, this has relevence to the induction of cancer by radiation and food irradation.

In all of the above cases no need exists for the substance which is being modifed to contain any radioactive materials.