Effect of DMSO on the sensitivity and diffusion of FPGX gel dosimeter

A stable hydrogel 3D dosimeter was prepared by using Fricke solution, poly (vinyl alcohol) (PVA) and glutaraldehyde (GA). A linear relationship between the dose and the UV absorbency was obtained by determining the color change of the dosimeter in the range of 0–2.5 Gy. Dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) was used as a free radical scavenger to analyze the thermo-stability and diffusion of FPGX gel dosimeter systems. The results showed that increasing the DMSO concentration could slow down the color change and the Fe3+ diffusion rate in a certain range. With the addition of DMSO, the FPGX gel dosimeter was stable in the storage time before exposure to radiation.

► An FPGX gel dosimeter after adding DMSO is transparent, stable and sensitive.
► DMSO could slow down the Fe3+ diffusion rate obviously.
► The gel system was stable in the storage time before irradiation.
► The dose–response presented a linear function against the absorbency at 585 nm.