Effects of Neutron Irradiation on Polymer

Polymers have been widely utilized in various applications due to their low cost and easy processability and thus could be utilized in radiation-prone areas for their radiation-resistant behaviour. Ionizing radiations induce chemical kinetics in the polymers leading to the exchange reactions causing the variations in structural conformations. Neutrons since the discovery in 1932 have been posed as a special particle due to its neutral behaviour and hence been utilized in many medical and industrial applications. The neutral behaviour provides it a greater penetration depth and therefore more quantitative measurements to greater accuracy. This chapter has been devoted to review the influence of neutrons in various polymers for their utilization in apron making for radiation workers and neutron dosimetry. Special attention has been paid to the structural elucidation and reactivity of ionized molecules upon exposure of the polymers to the neutron beam. Recent developments in utilizing the neutron irradiation for modifications and upgrading the properties of polymers have also been discussed.