Radiochromic label dosimeter based on a synthesized monomer of 2,4-hexadiyn-1,6-bis(n-butyl urethane)

•Formulation of new chemical dosimeter based on radiation-sensing monomer.•It is useful as a radiation detector for radiation-processed foods.•The dosimeter is useful for the dose range of 20–2000 Gy.•Overall uncertainty of dose measurement is under 6.5% at 2σ.

A poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) label containing 2,4-hexadiyn-1,6-bis(n-butyl urethane) (HDDBU) monomer was prepared for potential use in radiation process control to detect and measure radiation exposure. HDDBU, radiation-sensitive monomer, was synthesized, dispersed into PVA solution, and coated on self-adhesive paper using an automatic film applicator system. The physicochemical characteristics of the label were investigated using a portable reflectance colorimeter, at 560 and 610 nm in the dose range of 10–4000 Gy. The monomer polymerizes with gamma radiation producing blue–violet coloration in PVA film and this color increases proportionally with increasing absorbed dose. The overall uncertainty of dose measurement is below 6.5% at 2σ.