Spectroscopic and thermal studies of gamma irradiated polypropylene polymer

Thin films of polypropylene have been irradiated with different doses of gamma radiation from a ⁶⁰Co source. IR, UV-VIS spectra of this polymer before and after irradiation have been recorded and from the spectral data some modifications in the properties have been investigated. The spectra indicated that polypropylene film was oxidised at the dose of 10⁶ Gy. Due to the removal of additives, total destruction of the polymer takes place at this dose. Isotactic arrangement of the polymer is no longer present after irradiation. Growth of carbon cluster takes place above a gamma dose of 10² Gy. Thermal stability of the polymer changes due to irradiation and the polymer seems to decompose in four different steps at the highest dose of 10⁶ Gy.     

Gamma-induced modifications of polycarbonate polymer

Gamma-induced modifications in polycarbonate polymer have been studied in the dose range of 10¹–10⁶ Gy. Thin films of polycarbonate have been irradiated with different gamma doses from a Co⁶⁰ source. To monitor the modifications caused by gamma radiation, FT-IR, differential scanning calorimetry and X-ray diffraction studies have been performed. The studies have indicated that at the dose of 10⁶ Gy, phenolic group forms through scissioning of ester linkage. Though the effect of radiation is most significant at the highest dose, the process of modifications starts at 10³ Gy. Scissioning of the polymeric chain initiates a different morphological zone within the polymer matrix, and the polymer becomes more crystalline with increasing dose. Owing to chain scissioning, the mobility of the polymer increases, which in turn reduces the glass transition temperature of the polymer.     

Impact of electron irradiation on particle track etching response in polyallyl diglycol carbonate (PADC)

In the present work, attempts have been made to investigate the modification in particle track etching response of polyallyl diglycol carbonate (PADC) due to impact of 2 MeV electrons. PADC samples pre-irradiated to 1, 10, 20, 40, 60, 80 and 100 Mrad doses of 2 MeV electrons were further exposed to 140 MeV²⁸ Si beam and dose-dependent track registration properties of PADC have been studied. Etch-rate values of the PADC irradiated to 100 Mrad dose electron was found to increase by nearly 4 times that of pristine PADC. The electron irradiation has promoted chain scissioning in PADC, thereby converting the polymer into an easily etchable polymer. Moreover, the etching response and the detection efficiency were found to improve by electron irradiation. Scanning electron microscopy of etched samples further revealed the surface damage in these irradiated PADCs.     

A study of the effect of gamma and laser irradiation on the thermal,optical and structural properties of CR-39 nuclear track detector

A comparative study of the effect of gamma and laser irradiation on the thermal, optical and structural properties of the CR-39 diglycol carbonate solid state nuclear track detector has been carried out. Samples from CR-39 polymer were classified into two main groups: the first group was irradiated by gamma rays with doses at levels between 20 and 300 kGy, whereas the second group was exposed to infrared laser radiation with energy fluences at levels between 0.71 and 8.53 J/cm². Non-isothermal studies were carried out using thermogravimetry, differential thermogravimetry and differential thermal analysis to obtain activation energy of decomposition and transition temperatures for the non-irradiated and all irradiated CR-39 samples. In addition, optical and structural property studies were performed on non-irradiated and irradiated CR-39 samples using refractive index and X-ray diffraction measurements. Variation in the onset temperature of decomposition T _o, activation energy of decomposition E _a, melting temperature T _m, refractive index n and the mass fraction of the amorphous phase after gamma and laser irradiation were studied.

It was found that many changes in the thermal, optical and structural properties of the CR-39 polymer could be produced by gamma irradiation via degradation and cross-linking mechanisms. Also, the gamma dose has an advantage of increasing the correlation between thermal stability of the CR-39 polymer and bond formation created by the ionizing effect of gamma radiation. On the other hand, higher laser-energy fluences in the range 4.27–8.53 J/cm² decrease the melting temperature of the CR-39 polymer and this is most suitable for applications requiring molding of the polymer at lower temperatures.     

Investigation of the effect of gamma rays on electrical properties of chlorinated poly (vinyl chloride)

Dielectric constant, dielectric loss and AC conductivity were measured, in the frequency range 100 Hz to 5 MHz in chlorinated poly (vinyl chloride) (CPVC) before and after exposure to gamma irradiation at doses between 5.0 KGy and 50.0 KGy. The frequency dependencies of ε′, ε″ and σ_AC at 30 °C were investigated. A relaxation peak in the dielectric loss and a corresponding step in the dielectric constant have been observed, in the frequency ranges 10³ Hz to 10⁴ Hz. The dielectric constant ε′, dielectric loss ε″ and AC conductivity σ_AC are also found to increase at heating up to 100 °C. In addition the effect of gamma irradiation on the frequency dependencies of ε′, ε″ and σ_AC was measured at room temperature. The gamma irradiation leads to an increase in the efficiency of soft segments. Furthermore, the DC electrical conductivity of both the irradiated and non-irradiated samples was investigated. The induced electrical conductivity and the activation energy were measured, at various temperatures, as a function of gamma dose. It was found that the gamma radiation has a definite effect on the DC conductivity of the CPVC polymer.     

Molecular and optical modifications in poly(vinyl chloride) due to N-phenylmaleimide additives and gamma irradiation

The effects of N-phenylmaleimide (NPMI) concentration and gamma dose on the molecular and optical properties of poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC) have been studied. The results reveal an improvement in the intrinsic viscosity of PVC in the presence of an organic material. The effective concentration that enhanced the intrinsic viscosity, from 1.02 to 1.28, was found to be 10 mmol NPMI per 100 g PVC. The effect of gamma irradiation on the PVC polymer stabilized with this concentration of NPMI has been studied. Samples from the 0.01 g NPMI/1 g PVC were irradiated with gamma doses in the range 5–180 kGy. It is found that irradiation in the dose range 120–180 kGy enhances the intrinsic viscosity of the samples. In addition, the transmission of these irradiated samples in the wavelength range 200–2500 nm, as well as any color changes was studied. The color intensity (Δ E) was greatly increased with the increasing gamma dose, and was accompanied by darkness with a significant increase in the yellow color component.     

Impact of gamma radiation on the eruption rate of rat incisors

The present work aims to test the effect of gamma radiation on the rate of eruption of rat incisors. One hundred and five adult male albino rats were used and irradiated at different gamma doses. The effects of irradiation were investigated by numerical measurements of eruption rate, histological investigation using light microscope and spectral analysis using Fourier Transform Infra-Red (FTIR). No detectable changes were observed in the groups with smaller radiation doses. There was a significant decrease in the eruption rate starting from the 4?Gy radiation dose. The observation of histological sections revealed disturbance in cellular elements responsible for eruption as well as periodontal disturbance in the samples irradiated with 4 and 6?Gy. FTIR Spectroscopy of control group and the group irradiated by 0.5?Gy showed similar absorption bands with minor differences. However, samples irradiated by 1?Gy showed significant changes in both molecular structure and conformation related to carbonates and hydroxyl groups. From the previous results, it could be concluded that gamma irradiation negatively affects the eruption rate of the rat incisors especially with higher doses.     

Thermoluminescence of Al2O3:Cr3+ films synthesized by the nonaqueous sol–gel method

The thermoluminescence (TL) properties of Al₂O₃:Cr³⁺ thin films prepared by the nonaqueous sol–gel method were evaluated. The obtained thin films were characterized by scanning electron microscope and energy dispersive spectrometry. They were irradiated with ⁶⁰Co gamma rays of the different doses. TL glow curves exhibited two peaks centered at 197°C and 322°C.The heights of peaks were found to be sensitive to exposures of ionizing irradiation and the integral area of the TL signals had a linear response in the dose range of 5–60 Gy.This remarkable result suggests that Al₂O₃:Cr³⁺ films might potentially be used for radiation dosimetry.     

Effect of γ-irradiation on structural,morphological and luminescence properties of cerium-doped Y3Al5O12 nano-material

ABSTRACT

Cerium-doped yttrium aluminum garnet (YAG: Ce³⁺) nanopowder phosphors have been elaborated by sol–gel process and annealed at 900°C for 2?h. The prepared phosphors were exposed to gamma radiation, using ⁶⁰Co source, at different doses ranging from 5 to 100?kGy. The influence of γ-irradiation on the structural, morphological and luminescence properties of YAG: Ce³⁺ phosphors were investigated in detail by X-ray diffraction, ?eld emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), Fourier transforms infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and photoluminescence measurements. The XRD analysis confirmed the presence of single cubic phase for all samples of YAG: Ce³⁺ nanophosphors independent of γ-rays dose. FESEM micrograph results revealed that the particles present flate-like shapes and high density of dislocation for sample irradiated at 100?kGy of γ-ray. The YAG: Ce³⁺ nanophosphors showed broad green–yellow emission band in the range of 450–700?nm with maximum intensity at 538?nm assigned to the 5d → 4f transitions of Ce³⁺ ion. The emission intensity of YAG: Ce³⁺ phosphors vary with the γ-ray irradiation and reach the maximum for sample irradiated to a dose of 25?kGy. The variation of luminescence intensity is related to the crystallite size and Ce⁴⁺ ions content in YAG host nanomaterial.     

Radiation effects on luminescent and structural properties of YPO4: Pr3+ nanophosphors

ABSTRACT

YPO₄ phosphors doped with trivalent ion Pr³⁺ were prepared by sol–gel method and treated with different doses of gamma radiation, from 0.25 MGy to 4 MGy. Effects of radiation on morphology, structure and luminescent properties were analyzed. Also, the influence of radiation on the change in the color of the samples was examined. The color efficiency of powders was evaluated by colorimetric analysis (CIE and L * a * b system). It has been observed that powders change color under the influence of radiation, i.e. they pass from white to pinkish red. Also, it has been determined that the radiation affects morphology change, as the particle size increases with increasing of the radiation dose. With the increase in the radiation dose, the emission intensity of samples decreases. The structure remains almost unchanged after irradiation, and the intensity constantly decreases with increasing of dose.     

Effect of gamma irradiation on the thermal,mechanical and structural properties of chlorinated polyvinyl chloride

Non isothermal studies were carried out using thermogravimetry (TG) and differential thermogravimetry (DTG) to obtain the activation energy of decomposition for chlorinated polyvinyl chloride (CPVC) before and after exposure to gamma doses at levels between 5.0 and 50.0 KGy. Thermal gravitational analysis (TGA) indicated that the CPVC polymer decomposes in one main breakdown stage and a decrease in activation energies was observed followed by an increase on increasing the gamma dose. The variation of melting temperatures with the gamma dose has been determined using differential thermal analysis (DTA). Also, mechanical and structural property studies were performed on all irradiated and non-irradiated CPVC samples using stress-strain relations and X-ray diffraction. The results indicated that the exposure to gamma doses at levels between 27.5 and 50 KGy leads to further enhancement of the thermal stability, tensile strength and isotropic character of the polymer samples due to the crosslinking phenomenon. This suggests that gamma radiation could be a suitable technique for producing a plastic material with enhanced properties that can be suitable for high temperature applications and might be a suitable candidate for dosimetric applications.     

Gamma induced changes in the structural and optical properties of Makrofol LS 1–1 polycarbonate

ABSTRACT

Samples from sheets of the polymeric material Makrofol LS 1–1 have been exposed to gamma radiation in the dose range 10–250?kGy. The modifications induced in Makrofol samples due to gamma irradiation have been studied through different characterization techniques such as intrinsic viscosity as a measure of the average molecular mass, Fourier Transform Infrared spectroscopy FTIR, refractive index and color difference studies. The results indicate that the crosslinking dominates at the dose range 50–250?kGy. The crosslinking reported by viscosity measurements is supported by the trend of the function groups present in the sample with the gamma dose. Also, the increase in intrinsic viscosity indicating an increase in the average molecular mass was associated with an increase in the refractive index. Additionally, the non-irradiated Makrofol samples showed significant color sensitivity towards gamma irradiation. The color intensity ΔE, which is the color difference between the non-irradiated sample and those irradiated with different gamma doses, increased (0–5.56) with increasing the dose up to 250?kGy, convoyed by an increase in the red and yellow color components.     

Effects of gamma radiation on hard dental tissues of albino rats using scanning electron microscope – Part 1

In the present study, 40 adult male albino rats were used to study the effect of gamma radiation on the hard dental tissues (enamel surface, dentinal tubules and the cementum surface). The rats were irradiated at 0.2, 0.5, 1.0, 2.0, 4.0 and 6.0 Gy gamma doses. The effects of irradiated hard dental tissues samples were investigated using a scanning electron microscope. For doses up to 0.5 Gy, there was no evidence of the existence of cracks on the enamel surface. With 1 Gy irradiation dose, cracks were clearly observed with localized erosive areas. At 2 Gy irradiation dose, the enamel showed morphological alterations as disturbed prismatic and interprismatic areas. An increase in dentinal tubules diameter and a contemporary inter-tubular dentine volume decrease were observed with higher irradiation dose. Concerning cementum, low doses,<0.5 Gy, showed surface irregularities and with increase in the irradiation dose to≥1 Gy, noticeable surface irregularities and erosive areas with decrease in Sharpey's fiber sites were observed. These observations could shed light on the hazardous effects of irradiation fields to the functioning of the human teeth.     

Effect of gamma-irradiation on thermal decomposition kinetics,X-ray diffraction pattern and spectral properties of tris(1,2-diaminoethane)nickel(II)sulphate

Tris(1,2-diaminoethane)nickel(II)sulphate was prepared, and characterised by various chemical and spectral techniques. The sample was irradiated with ⁶⁰Co gamma rays for varying doses. Sulphite ion and ammonia were detected and estimated in the irradiated samples. Non-isothermal decomposition kinetics, X-ray diffraction pattern, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, electronic, fast atom bombardment mass spectra, and surface morphology of the complex were studied before and after irradiation. Kinetic parameters were evaluated by integral, differential, and approximation methods. Irradiation enhanced thermal decomposition, lowering thermal and kinetic parameters. The mechanism of decomposition is controlled by R₃ function. From X-ray diffraction studies, change in lattice parameters and subsequent changes in unit cell volume and average crystallite size were observed. Both unirradiated and irradiated samples of the complex belong to trigonal crystal system. Decrease in the intensity of the peaks was observed in the infrared spectra of irradiated samples. Electronic spectral studies revealed that the M–L interaction is unaffected by irradiation. Mass spectral studies showed that the fragmentation patterns of the unirradiated and irradiated samples are similar. The additional fragment with m/z 256 found in the irradiated sample is attributed to S₈⁺. Surface morphology of the complex changed upon irradiation.     

Investigation of photoradiation resistance of polystyrene scintillators in vacuum

Maximum permissible absorbed doses of ⁶⁰Co ionizing radiation were first measured in thin (1 mm) polystyrene scintillator samples at simultaneous irradiation by 0.01–1 Gy s^?1 gamma radiation and ～10¹⁶ cm² s^?1 light in vacuum. It was shown that photoradiation resistance (unlike radiation resistance) is not increased if samples are placed into vacuum and all other conditions are preserved the same. The process of formation in the polymer of unsaturated conjugated structures, whose fraction is independent of oxygen content and supply, is probably responsible for the loss of light yield.     

The real-time gamma radiation dosimetry with TeO2 thin films

A detailed study of the effect of gamma radiation on the current–voltage characteristics of the TeO₂ thin films of different thicknesses, prepared by thermal evaporation in a vacuum, has been carried out for a much wider range of the gamma radiation doses than made here-to-fore. Subsequently, for the thin films of different thicknesses at different applied voltages, the variations of the current density with dose have been obtained. The current density increases near linearly with the gamma radiation dose up to a critical radiation dose, a dose value higher for the thicker films and decreases thereafter. The sensitivities of these TeO₂ thin films at different applied voltages have been found to be in the range 1.2–37.0 nA/cm²/μGy. Correspondingly, the detection limits have also been estimated and have been found to be in the range 0.22–2.16 mGy. Clearly, the TeO₂ thin films have high potential for their use as real-time gamma radiation dosimeters in monitoring the gamma radiation doses under a variety of practical situations involving low level to high level of the doses.     

Radiation-dose dependence of E′1 centers in samples of quartz containing uncharged oxygen vacancies

EPR is used to study the generation of E′₁ centers (oxygen vacancies that have trapped one electron) in quartz samples containing uncharged oxygen vacancies as a function of irradiation dose. It is found experimentally that an irradiation dose of order 400 Gy is sufficient to allow every oxygen vacancy to trap two electrons apiece in essentially all such quartz samples. The linear segment of the dose dependences of E′₁ centers in samples annealed at 300 °C for 15 minutes can be used to reconstruct prior radiation doses up to 60–70 Gy. If the concentration of oxygen vacancies in the original sample is larger than 10¹⁸ cm⁻³, the signal intensity from E′₁ centers in the sample can be used to detect radiation doses as low as 1–3 Gy, which is significantly lower than the minimum radiation dose detectable by other paramagnetic centers in quartz. Fiz. Tverd. Tela (St. Petersburg) 40, 651–652 (April 1998)     

Photoluminescence enhancement from the defects state formed by neutron/gamma mixed irradiation in an epoxy resin for LED applications

ABSTRACT

In the framework of the ICERR (International CEntres based on Research Reactors) project, the effect of neutron/gamma irradiation on material has been studied. In this work, we investigate the mixed neutron/gamma irradiation effects on the optical properties of epoxy resin polymers. Photoluminescence (PL) measurements are used in epoxy resin films irradiated in the dose range from 0 to 900?Gy. For more information about the carriers dynamics, we studied their activation energy and phononic processes through the analysis of the PL spectrum evolution as a function of temperature. Mostly, materials irradiation studies by ionizing sources show a generation of defects and subsequently lead to the damage and degradation on the different properties. In this study we have shown an advantage of neutron/gamma irradiation, it is the improvement of the luminescence properties. The 500?Gy dose has the highest quantum yield at low temperature. But the 600?Gy dose shows the highest yield at room temperature. For the 500?Gy dose, the neutron/gamma treatment mainly favored the activation of carriers from lower to higher levels. On the other side with the 600?Gy dose, there was a combination between the activation of carriers from lower to higher levels and the ionization of trapped electrons in the defects centers.     

Electron induced modification in poly(ethylene terephthalate)

Abstract

The effect of 100 kGy dose of 2 MeV electron irradiation on Poly(ethylene terepthalate) (PET) has been studied by different characterisation techniques such as the Fourier transformed IR spectroscopy, electron spin resonance spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, differential scanning calorimetry and X-ray diffraction analysis. Oxidative degradation leading to amorphisation of the polymer has been observed from spectral analysis. The thermal stability of the polymer was found to decrease due to electron irradiation. The thermal decomposition temperature as well as the melting temperature in case of irradiated PET was found to be decreased due to electron bombardment. A decrease in crystallinity of the polymer has also been observed after irradiation.     

Radiation annealing of rapidly solidified Sn–6.7Sb–5.3Zn alloy by low-dose gamma ray

The radiation annealing of a rapidly solidified Sn–6.7Sb–5.3Zn (in atomic percent) melt-spun alloy was caused by low-dose gamma ray irradiation. This is observed from the increase in both the volume of unit cell and particle size of the Sn matrix, as revealed from X-ray diffraction analysis, and the decrease in the resistivity. The alloy was irradiated by gamma ray at doses 5, 10, 20, 40, 50, 60, 70, 80, and 100 Gy. The electrical resistivity was measured for the alloys subjected to these doses and it was found that the resistivity decreased by increasing the dose to a minimum value of 50 Gy and then increased by increasing the dose.