Natural Red Dyes From Hibiscuss sabdariffa L. Calyxes Extract For Gamma-Rays Detector

Abstract

Detection of absorbed dose in materials were irradiated is one method for monitoring irradiation processes. Dyes that are sensitive to ionizing radiation has the potential to used as radiation detectors. This article will report on the fabrication of gamma-rays detector using natural red dyes obtained from Hibiscus sabdariffa L. (HS) calyxes extract. The HS extract solution was made using a simple extraction method which was carried out by soaking the dried HS calyxes with double distilled water as a solvent for 24 hours. Gammacell irradiator with Cobalt-60 radiation source was used to test the sensitivity of HS extract solution to gamma radiation with a dose of 1-10 kGy. UV-Vis spectrophotometer was used to the characterization of optical properties of HS extract solution. After gamma irradiation, it was observed the color of the HS extract solution faded slightly from dark red to more transparent red color along with increasing doses. The results of UV-Vis characterization showed maximum absorbance of HS extract solution at 523 nm and a decrease in absorbance of 95% after irradiation at a dose of 10 kGy. The HS extract solution is stable in the conditions of storage is not exposed light and at the refrigerator up to 30 days.