Influence of gamma radiation on optical properties of Halloysite nanotubes incorporated polycarbonate nanocomposites

In the current research investigation, polycarbonate/hallyosite nanotubes (PC/HNTs) nanocomposite (NC) films have been successfully fabricated by solution intercalation technique using ultrasound energy in facile way which helps complete exfoliation of the HNTs in the matrix. The effect of Gamma irradiation-induced modifications of PC/HNTs NC have been studied in the dose range 200-500kGy, irradiated with Co-60 source. The NC films have been evaluated by UV-visible spectroscopy, Fourier Transform Infrared spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopic techniques in order to probe the effect of gamma radiation on the structural behaviors. The obtained results have been indicated that as the Gamma irradiation dosage increases from 200 to 500kGy, phenolic group forms through scissoring of ester link of PC, which may cause PC to degrade and lose their property. At lower dosage (200kGy), the effect is less and at higher dosage (500kGy), the effect is significant and at 300 and 400kGy, the effect is moderate and NC films retained their properties. The irradiation effect is most significant and effective at the higher dosage range. UV-visible spectroscopy shows a noticeable reduction in the energy band gap due to gamma irradiation.