Some more new etchants for CR-39 detector.
Recently, several new etchants have been reported for CR-39 detector (Molten Ba(OH)2. 8H2O as an etchant for CR-39 detector, Radiat. Meas. 37 (2003) 205; Discovery of new etchants for CR-39 detector, Radiat. Meas. (2004)). We have made further progress in this direction and have unveiled two more new etchants which are reported in this article. CR-39 detectors were irradiated with fission fragments and alpha particles from a thin 252Cf disc source. The irradiated detectors were then etched in our newly introduced etching solutions as well as in conventionally used 6 M NaOH aqueous solution at 70 degrees C. The newly prepared etching solutions included NaOH dissolved in methanol and NaOH dissolved in methanol + water. Optimum values of NaOH concentration in methanol as well as in methanol + water were determined. Optimum etching temperatures were also determined for both the above-mentioned etchants. From fission and alpha track diameters, bulk etching rate (VB), track etching rate (VT) and etching efficiency (eta) were determined and compared with that obtained for 6 M NaOH at 70 degrees C. Both the newly introduced etchants were found more efficient than the conventionally used 6 M aqueous NaOH (64%) at 70 degrees C and have relatively much smaller etching time.
Matiullah
Pakistan Institute of Engineering and Applied Sciences (PIEAS), Islamabad, Pakistan. Matiullah@pieas.edu.pk
Rehman
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S
Rehman
S
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Mati
N
N
Ahmad
S
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D000512:Alpha Particles; D002142:Californium; D000432:Methanol / Q000737:chemistry*; D010969:Plastics; D011092:Polyethylene Glycols; D011834:Radiation Monitoring / Q000295:instrumentation*; D011868:Radioisotopes; D011874:Radiometry; D012972:Sodium Hydroxide / Q000737:chemistry*; D012997:Solvents; D013696:Temperature; D014867:Water / Q000737:chemistry*
D010969:Plastics; D011868:Radioisotopes; D012997:Solvents; D014867:Water; C028827:CR 39; D011092:Polyethylene Glycols; D012972:Sodium Hydroxide; D002142:Californium; D000432:Methanol