Structural, optical and electrical properties of Poly(Methyl Methacrylate) polymer under alpha radiation

In this research study, poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) polymer was selected and irradiated with alpha particles at various times. The alterations in the structure, optical parameters, and electrical properties of PMMA polymer caused by alpha particles have been assessed using XRD, ultraviolet–visible (UV/Vis) spectrophotometry and dc electric circuit, respectively. The results showed halo peaks in the XRD patterns, which indicate the amorphous nature of this type of polymer. The UV/Vis spectra demonstrated that absorption increases while transmittance decreases with an increase in the exposure time. Use of PMMA polymer as alpha dosimeters using the UV/Vis spectroscopic technique was investigated. The optical energy-gap values decreased from 3.44 eV to 3.01 eV. Furthermore, the refractive index values of all studied samples increased. Increasing the alpha radiation time enhanced dc-conductivity as well.