Investigating the performance of polytetrafluoroethylene solid free radical dosimeter

Abstract

This study leverages the ability of polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) to generate stable free radicals under ionizing radiation to develop a solid PTFE dosimeter sheet. Experimental results indicate a strong positive correlation between free radical response and absorbed dose over a broad range (1‒180 kGy). The performance of the dosimeter was minimally influenced by dose rate and energy dependence, while the effects of irradiation temperature and post-irradiation storage time on free-radical decay exhibited clear and consistent patterns. Unlike conventional dosimeters used in the industry, the PTFE dosimeter is suitable for high-dose measurements and calibrations, covering a range of 1‒180 kGy with a total uncertainty of less than 5.02%, demonstrating high metrological reliability. This study provides valuable insights into precise dose control and calibration in the irradiation processing of polymers and other functional materials.

Keywords

• ionizing radiation
• ptfe solid dosimeter
• free radicals
• high-dose range
• metrological performance