Detection of fission tracks on resin plates formed from three kinds of DAP monomers

This work compares the response properties of ortho, meta and para diallyl phthalate (DAP) resin plates and their copolymer plates cast under the same curing conditions. The plates were irradiated with fission fragments and alpha-particles. After irradiation, the plates were etched with a potassium hydroxide, ethanol and water (PEW) solution or an aqueous solution of potassium hydroxide. Enlarged nuclear tracks were observed and counted using an optical microscope. All plates were found to have a detection efficiency of almost 100% for fission fragments, and yet were found to be insensitive to alpha-particles. From the experimental results of finish in curing, ease in cutting, etching speed and heat resistance, the ortho-based plates have been found to be superior to the meta- or para-based plates as a fission track detector.