Electrical properties of gamma-irradiated, pure, and nickel chloride-doped polyvinyl alcohol films

The electrical transport properties, such as direct current (dc) electrical conductivity (σ), dielectric constant (ε′), and dc current–time characteristics of unirradiated and γ-irradiated pure and NiCl2-doped PVA were studied in the temperature range of 26–155°C. Quantitative analysis was carried out to determine the thermal activation energy of the conduction process, drift mobility, and carrier concentration. The thermally activated mobility of charge carriers is confirmed from calculations of drift mobility at different γ-doses and temperatures. The results obtained revealed that γ-irradiation enhances the conductivity. The dielectric constant data at different temperatures before and after irradiation can be attributed mainly to the changes in the intra- and intermolecular interactions. The dc conductivity at 30 and 40°C, activation energy in low temperature region I, and proved to be dose-dependent. The obtained data suggests that these materials may have an application in dosimetry. © 1998 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 68:687–698, 1998