Effect of gamma radiation on the structural, ferromagnetic resonance, optical, and dispersion properties of PVC/MnFe₂O₄–ZnMn₂O₄ nanocomposite films

Gamma radiation’s impact on PVC/MnFe₂O₄–ZnMn₂O₄ nanocomposite films (fabricated via solution casting and irradiated at 0, 50, 100, and 150 kGy) was investigated. XRD revealed reduced defects and increased crystallite size with increasing dose (except 150 kGy, which induced a new phase). FTIR suggested gamma radiation breaks down PVC chains, generating free radicals that promote crosslinking with nanoparticles. The intensity of specific bands increased with dose (up to 100 kGy) before decreasing at 150 kGy, supporting the disruption of the crystalline structure at higher doses. Lower doses promoted a more ordered arrangement of PVC chains, while higher doses favored crosslinking, disrupting order. The optical bandgap ranged from 3.20 to 4.53 eV, with the oscillator energy increasing (up to 100 kGy) before decreasing (150 kGy). This study demonstrates that gamma radiation can be used to tailor the structural, morphological, and optical properties of these films, enabling the design of materials with specific.