Dehydrochlorinated poly vinyl alcohol (PVA) films for food irradiation dosimeters

Radiation sensitive dosimeters based on dyed poly vinyl alcohol (PVA) films containing chloral hydrate CCl3CH(OH)2 and acid-sensitive cresol-red dye have been developed for use in food irradiation dosimetry. These polymer dosimeters undergo colour change from yellow (colour of basic form) to red (colour of acid form) upon exposure to gamma radiation. The radiation-induced change in colour was analysed using UV-Vis spectrometer. The absorption spectra produced two absorption modes, peaking at 438 nm for low doses and 529 nm for high doses. The dose-response was obtained by the changes in absorbance as a function of the absorbed dose. Results of the dose-response curves show the absorption decreases and increases experientially at modes 438 nm and 529 nm respectively with absorbed dose. The change in colour of the irradiated films was analysed using Raman spectrometer, which provides the spectra of molecular stretching modes of vibration of some chemical bonds in the films. The relative intensity at C-Cl stretching peaks of chloral hydrate decreases with absorbed dose and makes the films more acidic. Consequently the relative intensity at S-H and C=C stretching peaks of the dye increases with absorbed dose as the acid reacts with the dye and changes the structure and colour of the dye. (Author)