Post-Irradiation Behavior of Colored PVA-Based Films Containing Ag Nanoparticles as Radiation Detectors/Exposure...

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Radiation Detection
• Nanotechnology

Background:

• Ionizing radiation necessitates strict control due to associated risks.
• Development of effective radiation detection methods is crucial for monitoring and safety.
• Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) embedded in polymer matrices show promise for radiation sensing.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate radiation-induced optical property changes in silver-enriched PVA hydrogel films.
• To assess the feasibility of these films as radiation detectors and exposure indicators.
• To evaluate the impact of azo dye additives (Toluidine blue O and Methyl red) on radiation sensitivity.

Main Methods:

• Preparation of silver-enriched PVA hydrogel films with glycerol, Toluidine blue O (TBO), and Methyl red (MR).
• Irradiation of films using 6 MeV photons up to 10 Gy.
• Analysis of UV-Vis absorbance peaks at various time points post-irradiation to assess sensitivity and dose fading.

Main Results:

• Azo dye additives significantly enhanced radiation sensitivity in AgNP-containing films, particularly at low doses (<2 Gy).
• AgPVAGlyTBO films showed a sensitivity of 0.6 Gy⁻¹ and AgPVAGlyMR films showed 0.4 Gy⁻¹.
• Films exhibited reduced sensitivity at higher doses and minimal dose fading between 7 and 45 days post-irradiation.

Conclusions:

• Silver-enriched PVA hydrogel films with azo dyes are viable low-dose radiation exposure indicators.
• The enhanced sensitivity is attributed to competing AgNP formation and dye color-bleaching effects.
• These materials offer a promising platform for developing sensitive and stable radiation detectors.