Primer on the determination of G values for reactions induced by high energy radiation

The subject of this paper is the G value for a radiation-induced reaction. Examples are presented to illustrate how a G value is determined. One example is for the determination of the G value for a decomposition of a molecular species by high energy electron beams. Another is for a commercial polymer, Butvar, that simultaneously undergoes main chain scission and cross linking when exposed to a high-energy electron beam. In addition, some comments are made about radiation-induced polymerizations and the importance of using G values in a manufacturing environment.