•  
  •  
 

Abstract

The radiation sensitivity and the structure's stability of polystyrene (PS)-based polymers have been thoroughly investigated. The PS films were exposed to Gamma doses ranged between 10 to 30 kGy. The ultraviolet-visible (UV-Vis) spectra showed a direct correlation between the dose of radiation and absorption. As the dose increases, the intensity of the absorption increases steadily, especially in the UV region below 400 nm. The exposed PS films to Gamma radiation demonstrated a linear response at wavelengths of 450, 650, and 850 nm. The response displayed a slight deviation of approximately ± 2, revealing a praised optical measurement. The optical band gap of the unirradiated film decreased from 4.07 eV by 14.1% at a dose of 30 kGy, revealing the formation of structural defects and the localized states within the materials. Increasing the Gamma dose leads to a decrease in both absorption and extinction coefficient. Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) image revealed weak carbonyl bands and intensity decrease of aromatic and aliphatic C-H vibrations, suggesting partial chain scission and oxidative degradation. Mechanical tests showed decreased elongation and tensile strength (from 26.542 to 5.395 MPa), confirming structural weakening. Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FESEM) images showed radiation-induced surface roughness and microcrack formation, which worsened with increasing dose. This study illustrates the dose-dependent effects of Gamma radiation, which cause various changes in PS films, such as physicochemical, optical, and morphological, confirming the possibility of using PS films in dosimetry, optical applications, and radiation-related sensing fields.

DOI

10.53293/2788-6867.1178

Download

Share

COinS