Spectroscopic Investigations of Optical Bandgap and Search for Reaction Mechanism Chemistry Due to γ-Rays Irradiated PMMA Polymer

Abstract

Radiation damage and the product formation chemistry in Polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) due to γ-irradiation have been studied by SEM, XRD, FTIR, and UV-Vis spectroscopy. Co-60 gamma source with a dose rate of 1.707 kGy/hr has been used for irradiation to a total 570 kGy dose. No significant changes in morphology upon such irradiation. Crystallinity decreases at a lower dose and then increases for a higher dose. Crosslinking dominates at lower doses, and chain scission overwhelms at higher doses in the irradiated polymer. Two isosbestic points are formed, and the absorption maxima shift towards a higher wavelength. The optical bandgap energy decreases with the addition of radiation dose. A new FTIR peak at 1638 cm-1 appeared, suggesting the formation of an unsaturation center in the irradiated polymer. Up to a dose of 409 kGy, FTIR absorption peak intensity increases and decreases with further irradiation.