Characterization and enhancement of the electrical performance of radiation modified poly (vinyl) alcohol/gelatin copolymer films doped with carotene

A series of poly (vinyl) alcohol/gelatin copolymer (PVA/Gel) with different entrapped carotene (Carot) concentration into the films has been devised. The films were irradiated with γ-rays at dose levels of 10, 50, 100, 150 and 250 kGy. The crystalline and chemical structures of the samples have been studied using XRD and FTIR techniques. The direct current electrical conductivity (σDC) has been determined from the proposed sampling before and after gamma exposure. It is clearly demonstrated that the electrical conductivity of PVA/Gel/Carot films was increased from two to three orders of magnitude due to carotene doping, and decreased one order of magnitude due to gamma radiation. The obtained results can be attributed to the existence of the conjugated double bonds in the aliphatic side chain of the carotene molecule. Thus, this work suggests the possibility of the use of the gamma irradiated PVA/Gel/Carot films in different electronic applications.