Temporary changes in electrical properties of polymer dielectrics due to ionizing radiation

Measurements of conductivity, permittivity, and dissipation factor on polystyrene, low-density polyethylene, poly(ethylene terephthalate), and polytetrafluoroethylene under irradiation with x-rays at exposure rates from 0.004 to 400 r/sec. are presented. The radiation-induced anomalous conductivity as well as the induced dielectric loss are interpreted by Maxwell-Wagner polarization due to radiation imbalance in surface layers of the specimen. The nature of radiation-induced steady-state conductivity is also discussed.