Optical evaluation of dithizone solution as a new radiochromic dosimeter

Abstract

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to propose a new dithizone solution dosimeter for high radiation applications such as polymers applications and food irradiation. Design/methodology/approach Gamma-rays cell of Co-60 source with 8.4 kGy/h dose rate was used to irradiate the dithizone solutions at different irradiation temperatures. The optical measurements of unirradiated and irradiated dithizone dye solution dosimeters were performed using a UV/VIS spectrophotometer at absorption peaks of 421 and 515 nm. Findings The new dosimeter improved significantly with the increase of dithizone dye concentrations from 0.025 to 0.1 mM. The dosimeter shows a perfect pre- and post-irradiation stability after irradiation for five days. Because of irradiation temperature dependence, the dithizone solution dosimeter should be corrected under actual processing conditions. Practical implications Dosimetry is a key point in quality control of radiation processing to assure that uniform and correct radiation doses are delivered to a region of interest. Therefore, this study introduces a dithizone solution dosimeter for high-dose radiation applications such as food irradiation, polymers applications and agriculture. Originality/value Ionizing radiation interacted with the ethanol solvent, resulting in the formation of free radicals, then these free radicals interacted with the dithizone molecule and changed the dye color from yellow to orange.