Impact of neutron irradiation on the structural and optical properties of PVP/gelatin blends doped with dysprosium (III) chloride

Abstract

Polymer composites of a system of Polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP)/gelatin/DyCl3·6H2O were prepared in three groups that have different concentrations of PVP/gelatin contents to study the effect of neutron irradiation on their structural and optical properties. Results showed that the interaction of neutrons led to various complex phenomena, mainly bond breaking, main chain scission and intermolecular cross-linking. These processes introduced defects inside the material that were responsible for the changes in their optical and structural properties. All the calculated parameters were found to be dependent on the irradiation fluence in a uniform manner that makes these materials excellent candidates in the applications of dosimetry and radiology. Moreover, the sensitivity of the three groups of composites to the irradiation doses was found to be different. The variation in the structure of the composite group that contains the least PVP content was found to be less significant; hence, these materials were more stable against high doses that make them suitable for high radiation dose applications.

Hybrid polymer nanocomposites with tailored band gaps and UV absorption for advanced applications in optoelectronics and UV protection

“…The extent of these changes depends on factors such as radiation type, energy, and flux. In applications like electronics, space research, medicine, dosimeters, and radiometry, specially developed polymers exhibiting specific responses to radiation are essential 7,8 …”

“…Limin Jiao et al demonstrated that incorporating hexagonal boron nitride (h‐BN) into epoxy resin significantly improves radiation resistance and neutron shielding, a benefit that could extend to other polymer materials as well 23 . Basha further reported that Polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) Fourier /gelatin blends doped with dysprosium (III) chloride could serve as good candidate for dosimeters 8 . Moreover, Abuali Galehdari's work indicated an increased elastic modulus in non‐irradiated NCs, suggesting that these materials could be advantageous for neutron shielding structures due to their enhanced mechanical properties 21 …”

“…23 Basha further reported that Polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) Fourier /gelatin blends doped with dysprosium (III) chloride could serve as good candidate for dosimeters. 8 Moreover, Abuali Galehdari's work indicated an increased elastic modulus in non-irradiated NCs, suggesting that these materials could be advantageous for neutron shielding structures due to their enhanced mechanical properties. 21 Neutron irradiation can bring heat resistance to the polymer NC.…”

Optical properties and colorimetry of gelatine gels prepared in different saline solutions

“…The presence of different functional groups in gelatine’s structure, such as carboxyl and amino groups, provides gelatine the unique ability to complex with other materials [3] , [4] . To date, scientists have managed to alter many gelatine properties by adding other biomolecules and metal salts for different purposes [5] , [6] . Because of its biocompatibility, non-toxicity and low cost, gelatine has been used in many industries for various applications, including the food, pharmaceutical and medical industries [7] , [8] , [9] .…”