The optical, chemical and spectral response of gamma-irradiated Lexan polymeric track recorder

As is the case with any class of materials that enjoys widespread use in varied applications, the properties of polymeric materials have been the subject of numerous studies. This is especially true of their response to low-LET radiations. In this work, modifications induced by 60Co γ-rays in the Lexan polycarbonate plastic track detector have been studied by using FTIR and UV-visible spectroscopic techniques; however, the track registration properties have been investigated by using etching techniques. The results are analyzed on the basis of scission and cross-linking.