Enrichment polymer layers (EPLs), which are capable of absorbing a number of chemical substances from the environment, are known to significantly increase the sensitivity of chemical sensors. For a certain applications those devices have to retain their analytical performance under aggressive environment including different types of radiation. To this end, we studied stability towards ?-radiation of nanometer-scale enrichment layers based on polyglycidyl methacrylate (PGMA). Specifically, radiation stability of PGMA and PGMA grafted with polystyrene (PS) EPLs was evaluated. The samples were subjected to doses of 1, 5, and 15 Mrad of 60Co ?-radiation. It was demonstrated that all of the films studied retained their swelling (enrichment) ability even after 15 Mrad irradiation. Thus, the layers are sufficiently stable for operating as an active EPL in harsh environment such as Van Allen belt exposure for orbiting satellites or in the vicinity of high radiation nuclear facilities. However, increasing dose of radiation led to cross-linking of PGMA, elimination of carbonyl groups, and creation of carbon-carbon double bonds/hydroxyl groups. Comparison of FTIR spectra of PGMA/PS and PGMA films demonstrated better resistance towards ?-radiation for PGMA/PS films. 

Stability towards ?-radiation of nanoscale enrichment polymer layers

248th National Meeting (2014)

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