Effect of gamma irradiation on the ion exchange capacity of polyaniline

•Effect of γ-irradiation upto 3.6 MGy (cumulative dose) on polyaniline was studied.•Elemental composition of PAni gets modified on irradiation.•FT-IR analysis indicated that PAni is fairly stable towards gamma irradiation.•Chloride–PAni is more stable towards γ-irradiation, compared to base-PAni.•Ion exchange capacities indicated better radiation stability of PAni than that of Dowex 1×8.

Polyaniline (PAni) was synthesized by a chemical oxidation of aniline, using ammonium persulphate in 1 M HCl and was investigated for radiation stability. The chloride salt as well as the base form of PAni (in air, water and HCl media) was subjected to gamma radiation using a 60Co source. Radiation induced effect on the stability of PAni was evaluated by the data obtained from elemental analysis and Fourier Transform Infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy. Anion exchange capacities of PAni before and after gamma irradiation were determined by the neutron activation analysis technique from the measured chloride activity. The ion exchange capacity decreased with increase in the absorbed dose. Chloride form of PAni was more stable towards gamma-radiation compared to the base form.