Synthesis of polyvinyl alcohol and cuprous oxide (PVA/Cu2O) films for radiation detection and personal dosimeter based on optical properties

The aim of the current study was to synthesize polyvinyl alcohol Cuprous Oxide composite films (PVA/Cu2O) for radiation detection depending on optical changes. The method adapted from solving of 5% PVA in hot (80 °C) stirred water and after cooling to ambient temperature a 0.5 g of Cu2O dissolved and stirred for 2 h. The films were made by casting in petri dishes contained 20 ml/each. The pealed films were enveloped after drying and receiving radiation doses of 1, 2, 4, 6 … 12 Gy. The analysis revealed a gradient change in color of films from light pink to dark brown with absorption peaks at 215 and 415 nm through entire doses which were increase as dose increment. The optical density of films increases linearly and significantly (R2 = 0.9) as the dose increases from 0.06 (arb. unit) at 1 Gy to 0.4 (a u) at 12 Gy with sensitivity at 0.06 mGy. The energy band gap of the film decreased as the radiation dose increases from 3 × 10−12 to 2 × 10−12 eV. Conclusively; the feasibility of utilizing PVA/Cu2O composite films as radiation detector and personal dosimeter would be applicable in rural sectors and low economic countries.