Influence of Fast Neutron Irradiation on the Optical Properties of Poly(Vinyl Alcohol)/ Hydroxypropyl Cellulose Blends

Abstract

Poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA)/hydroxypropyl cellulose (HPC) (100/0, 80/20, 50/50, 20/80 and 0/100 wt/wt%) blend films are prepared by solution casting method and subjected to fast neutrons irradiation for fluence 1 x 107n/cm2. The effects of different HPC concentrations on the optical properties such as: near infrared, absorbance and transmittance spectra in the region 250–2500 nm of the prepared films are studied before and after irradiation with fast neutrons. The absorption coefficient and the extinction coefficient for the prepared films have been calculated. The transmittance spectra are used for the determination of the optical tristimulus transmittance values. The obtained results illustrate that the increase in the concentration of HPC with PVA and/or irradiation with fast neutrons changed the chemical bonds and hence changed the molecular configuration of PVA indicating that there are charge transfers complexes arose in the polymer blend matrices.