Effect of γ-rays on the properties of the cellulose nitrate detector

• Published in: European polymer journal 1991, Vol.27 (7), p.703-706
• Main Authors: Kuzina, S.I., Stovbun, S.V., Salina, A.G., Kochukov, V.A., Kuznetsova, N.Ya, Mikhailov, A.I.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Applied sciences; Crosslinking and degradation; Exact sciences and technology; Physicochemistry of polymers; Polymers and radiations
• ISSN: 0014-3057; 1873-1945
• DOI: 10.1016/0014-3057(91)90160-P

The process of low-temperature (77 K) γ-radiolysis of the cellulose nitrate track-registration detector of ionizing radiation has been studied by electron spin resonance spectroscopy. The main radicals formed during the radiation-induced destruction of cellulose nitrate are NO 2 and the polymeric matrix radicals, observed for the first time, stable up to 373 K. The concentration of these last products at 300 K did not exceed 2% of the total concentration of radicals measured at 77 K. It was found that the enhanced alkaline etching of the γ-irradiated detector was due not only to the direct radiation-induced destruction of macromolecular chains but also to the destruction of chains initiated by the active centres (of both radical and non-radical nature) generated in the cellulose nitrate molecules as a result of radiation-chemical reactions. The data on γ-radiolysis allowed estimation of the average dosage in the track of α-particle with E x = 2.8 MeV ( D 1 = 250 kGy) and the track diameter (40–50 Å).