The influence of gamma radiation on the structure and morphology of AgNWs/GO nanocomposites

In this study, AgNWs/GO nanocomposites were prepared by mechanically mixing graphene oxide (GO) synthesized using a modified Hummers' method and silver nanowires (AgNWs) synthesized using a modified polyol method. These nanocomposites were subjected to gamma radiation at three different doses (8, 25, and 50 kGy). Modification of materials by gamma radiation is a very important issue in materials science. The effects of gamma radiation on the structure of the nanocomposites were investigated through X-Ray diffraction (XRD) analyses. Changes in morphology depending on the radiation dose were examined using transmission electron microscope (TEM) images. Elemental analysis was performed before and after irradiation. For GO irradiated at a dose of 25 kGy, the strain and dislocation density values reached their highest levels (ε = 0.065 and σ = 3.33 × 10¹² cm⁻²). Following gamma radiation exposure, the strain and dislocation density of AgNWs showed a non-linear decrease compared to the initial sample. The highest values for both strain and dislocation density were recorded at the 0 kGy dose (ε = 0.0064 and $\sigma$ = 0.0036 × 10¹²cm⁻²). Elemental analysis (EDS) indicated that reduction processes occurred depending on the radiation dose, with the highest reduction observed in the sample irradiated at 25 kGy. Studies indicate that gamma radiation can modify the structural and physical properties of the AgNWs/GO nanocomposite.