Investigations on the Migration of Radiation-Induced Compounds in Polymeric Nuclear Track Detectors

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

Experimental Nuclear Physics Department, Nuclear Research Center, Atomic Energy Authority, Cairo 13759, Egypt.

Abstract

The late effect of radiation-induced modifications in polymeric material was investigated. The research focused on two morphologies of the polymer material, being either soft-optical structure or fibrous structures that represent number of biological tissues and industrial materials. The aging effect was investigated by examining the formation of resin at the surface and within the fiber of the polymeric material. Micro-hardiness test was used to investigate the surface of the PADC and Bayfol samples using the effect of indention time. Optical microscope imaging was used to determine the extension of the organic resin on the surface of the PADC sample and to explain discrepancies in the hardness measurements. Polarizing optical microscope showed change in polarization in Bayfol samples as a result of indention stress and with conjunction to radiation dose. Layer of radiation-induced compounds in poly-allyl diglycole carbonate (PADC) and intercalated synthesized compounds within Bayfol polymer fiber were found. Infrared absorption showed loss of free O-H groups of PADC samples and C=O group of Bayfol samples and prove that aromatic composition of Bayfol was more sensitive to radiation damage than aliphatic PADC composition. Results verified the aging effect and showed behaviors that reflect the action of radiation-induced modification long time after irradiation.

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