Spectroscopic investigation of PVA-TIO2 membranes gamma irradiated

► PVA membranes doped with different concentrations of TiO2 were investigated by ESR and XRD methods. ► ESR signals corresponding to free electrons appear after gamma irradiation. ► The effect of radiation on the local ordering of polymeric chains depends on the concentration of TiO2. ► The modifications induced by gamma irradiation involve mainly the polymeric matrix. ► Recombination of free electrons appears after 21days of relaxation. The modifications of the PVA-TiO2 membranes exposed to gamma radiations were investigated by ESR and XRD methods. The ESR spectra show the appearance of a strong signal associated with the breaking of the polymeric chain and the appearance of the unpaired electrons. The mechanism is influenced by the concentration of TiO2. The modification of local order of the polymeric chains after irradiation is confirmed by XRD method.