Radiation effects on fluoropolymers induced by high-energy irradiation were investigated. Poly(fluorovinylidene-co-hexafluoropropylene) [P(VDF-HFP)] films were irradiated with gamma rays in air. Peroxy radicals formed by irradiation in the presence of oxygen were partially converted into more stable products such as hydroperoxides, alcohols, and acids. These oxidation products were identified by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. Specific chemical treatments were carried out to identify and separate overlapping absorption bands. Model compounds were also used. On the basis of the results, a mechanism of degradation for gamma-irradiated P(VDF-HFP) is proposed. (C) 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.