Thermoluminescence in gamma irradiated iPP-VGVGCNF

Nanocomposites have been obtained by dispersing various amounts of vapor grown carbon nanofibers within isotactic polypropylene via melt mixing. The as obtained nanocomposites were gamma irradiated at various integral doses by using a 60Co source. The irradiation was performed in air, at room temperature, and at a dose rate of about 1 kGy/h up to an integral dose of 28 kGy. Thermoluminescence investigations revealed the role of carbon nanotubes in the radiation-induced modification of polymer-based nanocomposites. Almost all samples (pristine polymer and polymer-based nanocomposites irradiated and not irradiated) showed two overlapping thermoluminescence signals. It is concluded that the dispersion of carbon nanotubes decreases the amount of trapped electrons improving eventually the radiation stability of the polymeric matrix. The low temperature thermoluminescence peak was tentatively associated to melting phenomena. The origin of the high temperature thermoluminescence peak is more complex. Nevertheless, the experimental data suggests that this peak is sensitive to the polymer-filler interface.

► Studies of radiation-induced modifications in polypropylene-carbon nanofibers. ► Assessment of the irradiation effects in nanocomposites by thermoluminescence. ► Role of carbon nanofibers in radiation-induced generation/trapping of electrons. ► Correlation of thermoluminescence peak with melting transition.