Behandlung von Polyalkylenoxydloesungen mit ionisierender Strahlung

摘要

A polyoxyethylene glycol based polymer is prepared by ionization irradiation of an aqueous solution of said polyglycol using an irradiation dose output higher than a predetermined critical output at which critical point the viscosity of said aqueous solution remains substantially constant in the course of the irradiation. g -Rays originating from a radiocobalt 60 source may be used as the ionization radiation. Concomitantly with the irradiation an impoverishment of the solution in respect of oxygen may be effected, for example by degasifying said solution. The product is essentially a three-dimensional cross-linked polymer in the form of a jelly retaining the water of solution, swelling in water and remaining insoluble in water. Water may be eliminated from the jelly by the addition of potassium fluoride or calcium chloride giving powders, or by sublimation giving a porous polymer which swells rapidly when again placed in water. The jelly may be used as a carrier for fertilizers and may also form a basis for pharmaceutical and cosmetic preparations.ALSO:A plant growth medium comprises g -irradiated water-swellable polyoxyethylene glycol and sand or earth.