Study of the molecular weight distribution of polystyrene grafted by means of swift heavy ions

Thin poly(vinylidene fluoride) films were irradiated with swift heavy ions in order to induce along the ion path the formation of radicals which can initiate the grafting of styrene. Using size exclusion chromatography, we have studied the influence of irradiation (dose, type of ion) and kinetic (grafting time, monomer concentration) parameters on the molecular weight distribution (<(<M)over bar>(n), P). These parameters modify the length and the polydispersity of the polystyrene grafted chains. An effect of the electronic stopping power of the ion is observed.