Proton irradiation effect on polymer films

The minute perforation of thin polymer films and the superfine processing of register materials by utilizing the features of the ion irradiation on polymers have been carried out. Further, the research aiming at the improvement of the electrical and mechanical properties of organic materials surfaces and giving catalytic action has become active. In the research on the radiation resistance of the polymers used in the radiation field of high dose such as FBRs, reprocessing facilities, nuclear fusion reactors and space equipment, conventional electron beam or gamma ray cannot deal with the problems. The results of the research on the proton irradiation effect on polymers have been reported, but the difference from electron beam or gamma ray irradiation effect has not been clarified as the irradiation field is narrow, therefore the evaluation of properties is difficult, and the evaluation of dose is improper. Considering such situation, the apparatus which can do uniform proton irradiation over a wide area was made for trial, and the evaluation of dose in proton irradiation was made by a CTA film dosimeter, in this way, the proton irradiation effect on polyethylene, polyallyl ether sulfon and others was compared with the electron beam irradiation effect. In terms of one particle, protons showed the irradiation effect 20 - 25 times as much as that of electrons, but in terms of dose, there was no difference in PE and PP. (Kako, I.)