A feasibility study of polystyrene/CNT nano-composite as a dosimeter for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes

In this research work, the electrical current of high density polystyrene/carbon nanotube nano-composite, over the extensive range of absorbed dose in different nanotube weight percentages were simulated as the dosimetry response of this material. The adiabatic temperature rise (Δ T) from absorption of ionizing energy is given by Δ T=D/C, where D is the average dose and C is heat capacity. The heat capacity was calculated for the nano-composite in different concentration of inclusions. For assessment of electrical conductivity of the nano-composite over the extensive range of absorbed dose, two models were considered as thermally activated hopping (TAH) and variable range hopping (VRH), for polymer and nanotube respectively. In this simulation, finite element method was used to investigate electrical currents of the nano-composite in different doses, voltages and nanotube weight percentages. The results showed a linear dose response over the extensive dose range, especially in the diagnostic and therapy dosimetry levels.