Effect of Gamma Irradiation on the Structural and Optical Properties of Bayfol CR1-4 Nuclear Track Detector

Abstract

Bayfol is class of solid state nuclear track detectors (SSNTDs). Bayfol (a polycarbonate/ polyester blend) was irradiated with different doses of gamma ranging from 0 to 300 kGy. The effects of irradiation on the structural and optical properties of Bayfol were studied using X-ray diffraction (XRD) and UV spectroscopy. The XRD pattern was taken for the original (non-irradiated) sample and for samples irradiated with increasing doses of gamma irradiation. The "Intensity" and the "FWHM" were obtained; both values decrease up to a dose of 100 kGy and increase subsequently. This indicates a change in structure caused by gamma irradiation. The UV spectra of irradiated samples indicate that the absorption edge shifts towards the longer wavelengths relative to the original (non-irradiated) sample. This shows that there is a decrease in the band-gap and Urbach energy after irradiation. The refractive index decreases, with increased gamma dose, to a minimum at the 100 kGy dose and increases thereafter.

Keywords: Bayfol, gamma irradiation, X-ray diffraction, UV spectra