X-ray irradiation-induced changes in (PVA–PEG–Ag) polymer nanocomposites films

Abstract

The effects of X-ray irradiation on the structural, thermal and optical properties of polyvinyl alcohol–polyethylene glycol–silver (PVA–PEG–Ag) nanocomposites have been investigated. The samples of nanocomposites were prepared by adding Ag nanoparticles with 5 wt% to the (PVA–PEG) blend. The films of 0.05 mm thickness were prepared by the casting method. These films were irradiated with X-ray doses ranging from 20 to 200 kGy. The resultant effect of X-ray irradiation on the structural properties of PVA–PEG–Ag has been investigated using X-ray diffraction and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. Also, thermal property studies were carried out using thermogravimetric analysis. Further, the transmission of the PVA–PEG–Ag samples and any color changes were studied. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy measurements showed that the crosslinking is the dominant mechanism at the dose range 50–200 kGy. This led to a more compact structure of PVA–PEG–Ag samples, which resulted in an improvement in its thermal stability with an increase in the activation energy of thermal decomposition. Moreover, the color intensity ΔE was greatly increased with an increase in the dose, and was accompanied by a significant increase in the yellow color component.