The C_(60) chemically modified polystyrene derivatives were synthesized by direct reaction of a benzene solution of polystyrene and C_(60) using UV irradiation at room temperature. The extent of fullerenation can be controlled by varying the C_(60) feed mass ratio. The products were characterized by UV-Vis, FTIR, GPC, TGA and DSC techniques. The molecular weights of the C_(60)-polystyrene derivatives were higher than those of the parent polystyrene. The reaction of Cgowith polystyrene in benzene solution was monitored by electron spin resonance (ESR) spectrum. An intense signal of stable free radical PSC_(60)~- was observed with a g-value of 2.0024. The ESR measurement also was performed in quartz ESR tubes containing a polystyrene/C_(60) solid mixture under UV irradiation. All of the samples gave an ESR signal of fullerene-polystyrene radical PSCC_(60)~- , and some ESR signals remained in final solid C_(60)-PS product after precipitation and drying in air. These results indicated the radical mechanism of the reaction.

Key words: C60, FREE RADICAL REACTION, ESR, REACTION MECHANISM, POLYSTYRENE