Radiation effect of polycarbonate films after electron beam irradiation

Polycarbonate (PC) is a promising material for high-absorbed-dose detection. In this study, the effects of electron beam irradiation on the optical properties and structure of PC were investigated. Colourimeter, ultravioletvisible absorption spectrum, X-ray diffraction, gel permeation chromatography, and thermal stability analysis were used to characterise the properties of PC after different doses (01000 kGy) of irradiation. The results showed that the colour of polycarbonate turned yellow after irradiation and that there was a good relationship between the chroma value and the absorbed dose. Furthermore, the visible light transmittance, crystalline region, crystal size, weight-average molecular weight, and thermal deformation resistance of PC decreased with the increase in the absorbed dose. The thermal stability of PC was improved by irradiation. This study provides an important basis for developing PC into radiochromic dosimeter.