Low-temperature radiation-induced cracking of liquid hydrocarbons

Conditions of chain cracking reactions in liquid hydrocarbons at lowered temperatures are discussed subject to contribution of the long-living radiation-excited molecular states. It is predicted that chain reactions of hydrocarbon degradation can proceed without thermal activation at the high dose rates of ionizing irradiation. In this process, both initiation and propagation of the chain are caused only by the action of radiation. Experimental verification has allowed observation of low-temperature chain cracking reactions in high-viscous oil. (C) 2008 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.