Effects of fast neutron radiation on polypropylene

Capacitor-grade polypropylene films were irradiated in a 2-MW thermal nuclear reactor and exposed to fast neutron radiation at a flux rate of 2.6×10¹² neutron/cm² s and gamma radiation at a level of 10⁷ rad/h. The postirradiation effects on changes in the electrical and chemical properties of the films were studied for irradiation times up to 10 h. The electrical properties were DC and AC breakdown voltages, life under pulsed voltage stress, dielectric permittivity, dielectric losses, and volume resistivity. Chemical analysis was performed using the infrared spectroscopy technique. Small changes were detected in the dielectric strength, dielectric properties, and volume resistivity of the film. These changes are believed to be caused by oxidation of the polypropylene film, as was evidenced by the infrared spectra showing an increase in the carbonyl absorption peak at 1720 cm^-1