The influence of γ-rays irradiation on the structure and crystallinity of heteropoly acid doped PVA

This contribution represents the manufacturing of a hybrid organic–inorganic proton conducting compound, which involves the introduction of heteropoly acid (HPA) of different concentrations into poly-vinyl alcohol (PVA). These compounds were irradiated by γ-rays at different doses of 10, 20, 30, and 40 kGy. The unirradiated and irradiated compounds were characterized by XRD and DSC. The XRD results showed that the crystallinity and d-spacing were strongly influenced by the amount of HPA and irradiation doses. The DSC results showed that the melting point was decreased as a result of HPA concentration and irradiation doses. The degree of crystallinity calculated from XRD is in good agreement with that calculated from DSC. The activation energy of the Unirradiated and irradiated compounds was calculated using the Flynn–Wall–Ozawa model.

► Keggin-structure compound immobilized in a polymeric matrix was prepared.
► These samples were subjected to different doses 10, 20, 30, and 40 kGy of γ-rays.
► The crystallinity and d-spacing were changed by HPA amount and irradiation doses.
► The melting point was decreased as a result of HPA amount and irradiation doses.