Changes in the thermal properties of PADC film-based nuclear track detectors produced by high doses of γ-radiation

• Thermal properties of PADC polymer-based NTDs have been investigated.
• PADC films based NTDs were exposed to high doses of γ-rays.
• The activation energy for thermal decomposition of PADC films was determined.
• PADC films may be of use for industrial applications due to its response of γ-rays.
• PADC film is a good technique for dose reading.

Irradiation effects on the thermal properties of poly allyl diglycol carbonate (PADC) polymer-based nuclear track detectors (in the form of CR-39) have been investigated. PADC films were exposed to γ-rays at high doses ranging from 5.0 × 105 to 1.0 × 106 Gy. The induced modifications were analyzed by means of thermogravimetric analysis, which indicated that the PADC film decomposed in three main stages. The activation energy for thermal decomposition was determined using a type of Arrhenius equation based on the TGA experimental results. This study presents quantitative results showing that the exposed PADC films do not undergo continual further degradation from high-energy γ-photons with increase in dose. The experimental results also provide insight into the specific property changes induced by γ-rays, which may be of use for industrial applications.