Polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) films containing two different concentrations of polyaniline were prepared by solution casting technique. These films were irradiated with gamma radiation for various doses. Structural and morphological studies of control PVA as well as PVA/PANi composite films were carried out before and after the gamma radiation. Polyaniline is one of the interesting conducting polymers and has the property of changing its color and conductivity when switched between different oxidation states. This unique property of polyaniline was monitored by investigating UV/vis absorption spectra and changes in electrical conductivity. The changes observed could be correlated to the total dose received by the films. It is therefore proposed that PVA/PANi composite films can be used for fabricating radiation dosimeters. (C) 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 110: 2243-2252, 2008