Plastic Scintillators with the Improved Radiation Hardness Level

Abstract

Some ways to increase the radiation hardness of plastic scintillator (PS) using 3-hydroxyflavone (3-HF) derivatives as an activator are considered. New compositions of radiation-hard plastic scintillators with content of 3-HF derivatives are proposed. It is shown, that the new PS based on polystyrene with these dopants have both the higher radiation hardness and the higher light output, than PS with original 3-HF. New fluorine-derivatives of 3-HF are synthesized. Their spectral luminescent properties are investigated. A range of PS, which contain fluorine-derivatives of 3-hydroyflavone as the activation dopant, is obtained. Influence of replace of hydrogen atoms with fluorine atoms in 3-HF molecules on the PS radiation hardness is studies. Shown, that replacement of hydrogen with fluorine atoms in molecules of 3-hydroxyflavone leads to increase of the radiation hardness of plastic scintillators, activated with them. New mechanically strong compositions of radiation-hard plastic scintillators with diffusion enhancers and primary dopants with the large Stokes shift (3-HF derivatives) are proposed. The new PS has 3 times greater radiation hardness in comparison with the analogues. In order to impart the mechanical strength, the PS are produced on spatially cross-linked polystyrene base.