Modification of Ag–PVP nanocomposites by gamma irradiation

Ag–PVP (silver-polyvinylpyrrolidone) films were spin-coated on silica substrates from Ag–PVP colloidal solution. Formation of nanoparticles in deposited films was achieved by photoreduction of silver ions due to UV irradiation of prepared samples. Presence of spherical nanoparticles in UV irradiated samples was identified according to the measured absorbance peaks of samples that were observed in the range 410–430 nm and were explained by surface plasmon resonance phenomenon. Produced nanocomposite films were further on modified additionally irradiating them with gamma photons within the dose range (2–50) Gy.Plasmonic and mechanical properties of gamma irradiated nanocomposite films have been investigated by UV–vis spectroscopy and AFM and compared to those obtained after prolonged UV irradiation of films.