PENGARUH IRADIASI GAMMA TERHADAP KARAKTERISTIK POLIMER POLIESTER TAK JENUH UNTUK APLIKASI SOLIDIFIKASI LIMBAH RADIOAKTIF

The first effort in radioactive waste management is through radioactive waste characterization by identifying nuclides and measuring radioactivity. Characterization of radioactive waste is helpful in waste management consisting of waste containment, waste decomposition, temporary waste storage, and disposal operations. The use of polyester polymers in radioactive waste solidification is one of the important solutions in safe and sustainable waste management. These polymers are chosen for their good mechanical and chemical properties, such as resistance to degradation and long-term stability. This study aims to characterize and analyze the effect of gamma irradiation on the mechanical and chemical properties of unsaturated polyester polymers used in radioactive waste solidification. Irradiation was carried out with dose variations of 50, 100, 200, and 300 kGy. The results showed that at low to medium doses (50-200 kGy), there was an increase in compressive strength and density due to the formation of crosslinks between polymer chains. However, at higher irradiation doses (300 kGy), material degradation occurred leading to a decrease in strength. Raman spectrophotometry and SEM showed changes in chemical structure and morphology due to irradiation, especially in terms of changes in functional groups and structural density. The results of this study indicate that irradiation can strengthen polymers at certain doses, but dose limits must be considered to prevent material degradation.