Polymer reflectance changed by gamma irradiation

The change in the colour of polymer fibre is suggested to develop a simple method for γ-ray dosimetry. The spectral reflectance values of the unirradiated and γ-irradiated nylon-6 and Dralon fibres were measured spectrophotometrically. Irradiation was carried out over a period of 24-1948 h and the dose rate was maintained at 14.7 ±0.2 rad s-1. The tristimulus values, dominant wavelength and excitation purity of these samples were calculated. The change in these colorimetric parameters by the applied dose was evaluated. The colour difference between the unirradiated samples and those irradiated with different doses of γ-irradiation was calculated. This study gives a clear picture about the changes in colour of fibre by γ-irradiation. (author)