Photoluminescence, optical band gap and surface wettability of some polymeric track detectors modified by electron beam

In the present study, modifications have been performed on two polymeric track detectors (PTDs), CR-39 and Makrofol. The samples were irradiated with 1.5MeV electron beam at different doses ranging from 0 to 500kGy. Changes in photoluminescence (PL) and ultraviolet–visible (UV–vis) spectrophotometry as well as surface properties have been carried out for all PTD samples. The PL spectra indicate noticeable decrease of the integrated intensity for both types of irradiated PTDs with the increase of electron beam doses. This may be due to the creation of defects in the irradiated PTDs polymers. UV–vis spectra reveal that the optical absorption was shifted towards higher wavelength region after irradiation with electron beam. The optical band gap energy and Urbach's energy are decreased with increasing electron beam doses. Contact angle measurements show that the wettability and surface free energy are increased for irradiated samples with increasing electron irradiation doses. The change in roughness is also investigated. •Modifications have been performed on polymeric track detectors with electron beam.•PL study shows the formation of defects after electron irradiation.•UV–vis spectra show decreases in the Urbach's energy and gap energy.•Wettability and SFE show an enhancement in the polarity of the irradiated sample.