THE EFFECT OF MOISTURE ON TRACK FORMATION IN LR-115 TYPE-II PLASTIC

LR-115 type II plastic samples were placed inside a humidity chamber, where variation on relative humidity was achieved using different satu rated salt solutions, and were also pre-soaked in water for different periods up to 24 hours prior to alpha-irradiation. There is an increas e in etched track diameter of up to 20% with an increase in moisture c ontent of up to 0.8 wt.% in the plastic. The bulk etch rate also incre ases from about 3.1 mum/h in dry air to 3.8 mum/h in moist air.