Synthesis of a flexible poly(chloroprene)/methyl red film dosimeter using an environment-benign shear compounding...

The paper reports synthesis of a new film dosimeter based on a solvent-free route. Methyl red (MR) dye was introduced into poly(chloroprene) (PC) in various concentrations. The films were intensely red with λmax ~515nm. The absorbance decreased linearly with absorbed radiation dose up to 30kGy without a significant change in λmax. Color coordinates of the films were also analyzed. Optical micrographs of the films showed no signs of inhomogeneous distribution of MR in the PC matrix, which was attributed to the polarity of PC. Radiation sensitivity, dose response linearity, effects of irradiation temperature and humidity, as well as the rate of fading, were also investigated.