Effects of gamma radiation on the properties of GO/PVA/AgNW nanocomposites

Abstract

In this study, GO/PVA/AgNWs nanocomposites were exposed to gamma irradiation at doses of 8, 25, and 50 kGy to investigate the effects of gamma radiation on their structural and morphological properties. Structural modifications induced by irradiation were examined using X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis and Raman spectroscopy, while morphological changes were evaluated through scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The findings demonstrate that gamma irradiation significantly affects the crystallinity of the nanocomposites. Although no considerable morphological alterations were observed, Raman spectroscopy confirmed the presence of radiation-induced structural defects. Analysis of the I_D/I_G ratio revealed that the most prominent defect formation occurred in the sample irradiated with 8 kGy, which exhibited an I_D/I_G ratio of 1.07. Furthermore, the study underscores the influence of gravitational forces during the composite fabrication process, as evidenced by the preferential accumulation of fillers in the lower regions of the nanocomposites. This phenomenon was validated through both XRD and SEM analyses. Overall, the study offers valuable insights into the role of gravitational effects in composite formation and elucidates the influence of low-dose gamma irradiation on the structural integrity, morphology, and optical characteristics of GO/PVA/AgNWs nanocomposites.