Novel study of using chitosan in gamma dose monitoring applications

Abstract

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to fall light on the possibility of using the biopolymer chitosan in gamma dose monitoring. Design/methodology/approach The chitosan films were irradiated to gamma rays in the range starting from 10 to 120 kGy at a dose rate of 1.4 kGy/h using 60Co gamma source. The ultra violet and visible (UV/Vis) spectrophotometry were used to examine the optical properties of chitosan film. Also, Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) analysis was used to detect and trace any change in structural bands that may take place upon irradiation. Findings Increase in optical density of the chitosan film was recorded at 298 nm that correlated with increasing in the absorbed doses. Change in color of the film from pale yellow to denser yellow was detected upon increasing the absorbed doses. The close investigation for UV/Vis and FTIR analysis nominates the chitosan film to be used as a label-dosimeter in the range of 10–120 kGy depending on chitosan concentrations. The chitosan film has an excellent stability in different environmental conditions with ±3.7% uncertainty in measurements (2σ, approximately equal to a 95% confidence level). Research limitations/implications Chitosan film may be used as a medium and high-dose monitor with an acceptable overall uncertainty in routine radiation processing Originality/value The useful dose range from 10 to 80 kGy was detected for different concentrations of chitosan (0.5, 1, 1.5 Wt%) that correlated with increasing the absorbed dose, which is assigned to the linear parts in the target response curves. For the dose range 10–120 kGy, the film may be used as label dosimeter with detected color change from pale yellow to dense yellow.