Nuclear track detection using thermoset polycarbonates derived from pentaerythritol

The paper describes the synthesis and performance of two polymers as nuclear track detectors, both having alpha sensitivity higher than that of the widely-used polymer CR-39. A homopolymer (PPETAC) from pentaerythritol tetrakis(allyl carbonate) (PETAC) monomer and its various copolymers with allyl diglycol carbonate (ADC) prepared by cast polymerization were successfully used as nuclear track detectors. The copolymer PETAC:ADC 4:6 weight percent shows maximum alpha sensitivity, almost double that of CR-39 under identical experimental conditions. This copolymer can reveal alpha particle tracks from 239Pu source in about 60 min and 252Cf fission fragment tracks by chemical etching in less than 30 min, compared to about 120 min and 45 min respectively, required by CR-39. The polymers can be conveniently etched using aqueous sodium hydroxide.