Comparative Study of Impact of Gamma and MeV Ion Irradiations on Electrical and Optical Properties Polystyrene/Eu₂O₃ Nanocomposites

In the present study, the effect of gamma irradiation and 90 MeV carbon ion beam irradiation on electrical properties and optical of Polystyrene/Eu₂O₃ nanocomposites at different fluences were examined. Modified electrical and optical responses of polymer nanocomposites were investigated using Impedance, Photoluminescence and UV-VIS spectroscopies. FTIR analysis shows a reduction of various modes of molecular vibrations caused by 90 MeV carbon ion beam irradiation. The polymer nanocomposites change into a graphite-like structure upon both kinds of irradiations as evidenced by the decrease in the optical band gap. The photoluminescence emission spectra show three characteristic peaks of Eu³⁺ ions, when excited at 247 nm wavelength. It emits intense red light suggesting its potential for usage in LED technology. The peak intensity of PL emission spectra is enhanced after ion beam irradiation and is because of the formation new radiative combination; however, it decreases upon gamma irradiation. Dielectric responses of pristine and irradiated polymer nanocomposites were studied over the frequency range of 100 Hz to 100 kHz using LCR meter. There appears a significant improvement in the dielectric response as a result of structural changes in both types of irradiations. AFM images show that the film becomes smoother upon both types of irradiations.