ChargingE-perm for radon measurements

• Poling charging method was used to recharge the electret detectors.
• Applying the chosen parameters were enough to reuse recharged electrets.
• Similar response was obtained when compared with CR-39 for radon measurements.

Recharging of commercial E-perm electret detectors used for radon measurement has been investigated. The E-perm was recharged using the poling charging method where a high voltage is applied on a metal nozzle to polarize the electret material. The optimum parameters to recharge the electrets were 5 kV charging voltage and 7 mm height of the nozzle from the electret surface and using an insulator while charging. Under these conditions, charging of E-perm carried out for 15 s attained required voltage and retained the charge for long durations. The response of recharged E-perm for radon activity measurements in a radon calibration chamber and in an open environment was compared with that of CR-39 detectors. Results showed close proximity in radon values.