Behaviour of fused silica capillaries subjected to gamma radiation. Part 2: Physical aspects

Five commercial varieties of uncoated fused silica capillary tubing used in high resolution gas chromatography were subjected to cobalt-60 gamma radiation. The advantages and superior performance of fused silica open tubular columns coated with OV-1 and subsequently immobilized or crosslinked in situ by radiation is reported in a previous paper in this Journal; however, in this investigation a loss in flexibility of irradiated capillaries was also noted. Quantitative measurements on flexibility were performed on specimens of irradiated fused silica capillaries, indicating that changes do indeed occur upon irradiation. Scanning electron micrographs also illustrate slight deterioration of the outer protective polyimide coating. Most surprisingly, it was also established that a variation does exist in the flexibility of the commercially available raw material studied.     

Radiation chemical studies of protein reactions: Effect of irradiation liquid containing aromatic hydrocarbons and pH on viscosity

When protein is irradiated by γ-rays from a ⁶⁰Co source in various liquids containing aromatic hydrocarbons, such as benzene, naphthalene, and phenanthrene, the effect of the radiation varies with the irradiation liquids containing aromatic hydrocarbons. An empirical equation for the viscosity change was obtained. Protein irradiated by γ-rays from a ⁶⁰Co source in air showed the effect of pH on protein reactions. An empirical equation for the viscosity change was obtained.     

The minimum range of dose measurement on polyethylene film dosimeter

Polyethylene dosifilm for ⁶⁰Co γ-ray and electron beam have been investigated. The dose response of PE film irradiated by electron beam on 5–600 kGy. The slope of curves is 3.488 × 10^-2, the total uncertainty of experiment lower than 10%, the reproductivity of PE film irradiated by γ-ray was better than EB irradiated. There was an inflection point around 55 kGy in γ-ray irradiated case, so the slope is different (i.e. 4.4 × 10^-2). The influence of oxygen and interface were compared and discussed.     

Effect of γ-ray radiation on the polyacrylonitrile based carbon fibers

To investigate the effect of γ-ray radiation on the microstructural and mechanical properties of carbon fibers, carbon fibers were irradiated by ⁶⁰Co source. The interlayer spacing d₀₀₂ of carbon fibers decreased after irradiation. The Young’s modulus and density of the fibers increased with increasing dose. The tensile strength of fibers was found to increase at low dose and decrease at high dose. Additionally, Compton scattering effect caused by γ-ray is proposed to be responsible for the structural and mechanical changes of fibers. The results indicated that γ-ray irradiation was an effective method for improving the mechanical properties and graphitization degree of polyacrylonitrile based carbon fibers.     

Effects of cobalt-60 γ-ray irradiation on fresh-keeping and storage of kiwifruits

The boxes contained kiwifruits were irradiated with cobalt-60 γ-rays at different dosages (0.6 , 1.8 and 3.6 KGy) and stored in a room ventilated at night, the natural ambient air being used as cool source.The results showed that the treatment which fruits irradiated with 0.6 KGy was the best after 85 days. It gave the normal-fruit rate of 95.10%, fruit flesh hardness of 4.10 Kg · cm^-2, fresh and plump fruits, good quality and less Vc loss.     

Radiation immobilization of poly(methyloctylsiloxane) on silica for use in HPLC: a uniform layer model.

Poly(methyloctylsiloxane) (PMOS) was sorbed into the pores of HPLC silica by a solvent evaporation procedure, then irradiated with gamma rays from a cobalt-60 source to absorbed doses in the range from 0 to 200 kGy (1Gy = 1J kg-1). Non-irradiated and irradiated samples were characterized by solvent extraction, specific surface area determination, infrared spectroscopy and reversed-phase column performance. Solvent extraction data reveal that about 40% of the PMOS is not extractable prior to irradiation and this increases to about 75% with radiation doses of 50 kGy or higher. Column performance was improved by the radiation treatment, reaching a maximum efficiency in the dose range of 80-140 kGy while the peak symmetry changed from As = 1.7 to 1.1. The improvement is attributed to the increased mass of polymer immobilized by the radiation treatment and to a more uniform distribution of the immobilized polymer in the silica pore system. A multi-layer stationary-phase model is presented in which the first layer consists of an adsorbed monolayer of PMOS and the second layer is immobilized by gamma radiation.     

Thermal expansion of irradiated polyethylene from 10 to 340 K

The coefficient of thermal expansion of γ-irradiated polyethylene has been measured from 10 to 340 K by using the three-terminal capacitance technique. The samples are irradiated to 500 Mrad in steps of 100 Mrad in air at room temperature with γ-rays from a Co⁶⁰ source at a dose rate of 0.3 Mrad/h. The crystallinity of the sample is measured by x-ray diffraction. The crystallinity is found to decrease with radiation dose. The thermal expansion coefficient is found to be constant with radiation doses from 10 to 110 K and decreases with doses from 110 to 340 K. © Wiley & Sons, Inc.     

Behavior of fused silica capillaries subjected to gamma radiation. Part 1: Chromatographic performance

Fused silica capillaries deactivated with D₄ and coated with OV-1 were subjected to cobalt-60 gamma radiation in order to elucidate the effect of incident radiation on column performance. The chromatographic performance of these open tubular columns in which OV-1 was polymerized in situ was found to be dependent on the dosage of radiation and was evaluated before and after the irradiated columns were rinsed with solvent. Of the radiation dosages employed, 3 MRad produced superior chromatographic performance coupled with very favorable residual surface activity.     

Radiation Chemical Studies of Protein Reactions: Effect of Irradiation Liquids Containing Aromatic Hydrocarbons and pH on the Breaking of Secondary Bonding in Protein

When protein in various liquids containing aromatic hydrocarbons, such as benzene, naphthalene, and phenanthrene, is irradiated by γ-rays from a ⁶⁰Co source, the breaking of secondary bonding in the protein molecule varies with the irradiation liquids containing aromatic hydrocarbons. Protein irradiated by γ-rays from a ⁶⁰Co source in air showed the effect of pH on the breaking of secondary bonding in the protein molecule. In both cases an empirical equation for the viscosity change was obtained, and the phenomena were explained on the basis of the molecular mechanism.     

Irradiation of Polyethylene in Presence of Several Additives as Studied by Chemiluminescence

Abstract

The protecting effect against radiation induced oxidation of poly-ethylene provided by several additives, namely pyrene, Irganox 1222 and Irganox 1010 has been investigated by mean of FTIR spectroscopy and chemiluminescence (CL) technique. Pyrene appears to be more effective and more stable to irradiation than phenolic antioxidants. Thus, about half of initial pyrene seems to remain unchanged after an exposure of the material to γ⁶⁰Co rays at 240 kGy (dose rate 1 kGy/h) in presence of air. Under the same conditions, about 90% of initial Irganox 1010 seems to be consumed as indicate a comparison of induction oxidation times of initial and irradiated material. The stabilizing effect of the residues resulted by pyrolysis at 850°C in inert atmosphere of several polymers, such as polyacrylonitrile, polyvinylchloride and methyl cellulose is discussed as well.     

Effect of γ-radiation on radionuclide retention in compacted bentonite

Compacted bentonite is proposed as an engineered barrier in many concepts for disposal of high level nuclear waste. After the initial deposition however, the bentonite barrier will inevitably be exposed to ionizing radiation (mainly γ) under anoxic conditions. Because of this, the effects of γ-radiation on the apparent diffusivity values and sorption coefficients in bentonite for Cs⁺ and Co²⁺ were tested under different experimental conditions. Radiation induced effects on sorption were in general more noticeable for Co²⁺ than for Cs⁺, which generally showed no significant differences between irradiated and unirradiated clay samples. For Co²⁺ however, the sorption to irradiated MX80 was significantly lower than to the unirradiated clay samples regardless of the experimental conditions. This implies that γ-radiation may alter the surface characteristics contributing to surface complexation of Co²⁺. With the experimental conditions used, however, the effect of decreasing sorption was not large enough to be reflected on the obtained D_a values.     

Study of the spatial distribution of the absorbed dose in blood volumes irradiated using a teletherapy unit

Blood irradiation can be performed using a dedicated blood irradiator or a teletherapy unit. A thermal device providing appropriate storage conditions during blood components irradiation with a teletherapy unit has been recently proposed. However, the most appropriated volume of the thermal device was not indicated. The goal of this study was to indicate the most appropriated blood volume for irradiation using a teletherapy unit in order to minimize both the dose heterogeneity in the volume and the blood irradiation time using these equipments. Theoretical and experimental methods were used to study the dose distribution in the blood volume irradiated using a linear accelerator and a cobalt-60 therapy machine. The calculation of absorbed doses in the middle plane of cylindrical acrylic volumes was accomplished by a treatment planning system. Experimentally, we also used cylindrical acrylic phantoms and thermoluminescent dosimeters to confirm the calculated doses. The data obtained were represented by isodose curves. We observed that an irradiation volume should have a height of 28 cm and a diameter of 28 cm and a height of 35 cm and a diameter of 35 cm, when the irradiation is to be performed by a linear accelerator and a cobalt-60 teletherapy unit, respectively. Calculated values of relative doses varied from 93% to 100% in the smaller volume, and from 66% to 100% in the largest one. A difference of 5.0%, approximately, was observed between calculated and experimental data. The size of these volumes permits the irradiation of blood bags in only one bath without compromising the homogeneity of the absorbed dose over the irradiated volume. Thus, these irradiation volumes can be recommend to minimize the irradiation time when a teletherapy unit is used to irradiate blood.     

High photosensitivity in cis-polyphenylacetylene films irradiated with 60Co γ-ray

This paper reports that ⁶⁰Co γ-ray irradiation can convert cis-polyphenylacetylene (cis-PPA) films prepared with rare-earth coordination catalysts to highly photosensitive materials. The dependence of the photosensitivity on irradiation dose, preparation methods, and microstructure of the PPA films has been investigated by means of a potential discharge technique. The photosensitivity was enhanced with increasing irradiation dose. The critical dose to produce a light response was 5 × 10³ Gy. The maximum surface potential discharge rate was 618 V/s, and the dark decay was approximately 2 V/s for cis-PPA films irradiated with ⁶⁰Co γ-ray (dose: 2 × 10⁵ Gy). The cis-transoidal-PPA and an electrophotographic photoreceptor device incorporating cis-PPA showed a higher irradiation effect. The structure and properties of ⁶⁰Co γ-ray irradiated rare-earth PPA films are similar to the unirradiated films.     

Molecular weight and antioxidant effects on the structure of irradiated linear low density polyethylene

Linear copolymers of ethylene and butene-1 with uniform chemical microstructure and very narrow molecular weight distribution are used to study the effects of ionizing radiation. The well characterized copolymers are irradiated at room temperature with γ-rays from a ⁶⁰Co source. To follow the evolution of the molecular structure with the radiation doses, changes in molecular weight averages M_n and M_w are measured by membrane osmometry, light scattering and GPC.The influence of the original linear polymer molecular weight is examined in the range of 50,000–100,000. The effects of antioxidant are explored irradiating samples with and without additive.     

Mechanical properties,surface morphology and failure mode of γ-ray irradiated blends of polypropylene and ethylene-vinyl acetate rubber

The effect of ⁶⁰Co γ-radiation on the mechanical properties, surface morphology and failure characteristics of blends of polypropylene [PP] and ethylene-vinyl acetate rubber [EVA] has been studied with specific reference to the effect of blend ratio, dynamic crosslinking of the rubber phase and absorbed radiation doses. Samples were subjected to radiation in the dose range of 1 to 100 Mrad in air at room temperature at the rate of 0·321 Mrad/h. Both chain scission and crosslinking occur simultaneously in the blend samples. PP and blends containing higher proportions of PP (≥50%) undergo predominant chain scission at lower doses (≤50 Mrad), which causes a drastic drop in tensile strength, followed by a levelling out at higher doses of 100 Mrad. EVA undergoes crosslinking at lower doses resulting in an increase in tensile strength in the dose range 1 to 10 Mrad followed by a decrease in the range 10–25 Mrad. Further increase in radiation dose has little effect on tensile strength. The effect of radiation on stress-strain behaviour, elongation at break, energy at rupture and hardness was also studied. The morphology of the irradiated surfaces after an absorbed dose of 100 Mrad has been examined by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). In order to understand the effect of γ-radiation on the failure mechanism, tensile failure surfaces of both unirradiated and irradiated samples have also been examined by SEM.     

Application of radiochromic gel detector (FXG) for UVA dose measurements

Tissue equivalent radiochromic gel material containing ferrous ions, xylenol-orange ion indicator and gelatin as gelling agent (FXG) is known to be sensitive to γ- and X-rays; hence it has been used for ionizing radiation dosimetry. Changes in optical absorbance properties of FXG material over a wide region in the visible spectrum were found to be proportional to the radiation absorbed dose. An earlier study demonstrated the sensitivity of FXG gel detector to ultraviolet radiation and therefore that could give quantitative measure for UV exposure. This study focuses on the detection of UVA radiation (315–400 nm), which forms an important part (～97%) of the natural solar UV radiation reaching the earth surface. A solar UV simulator device was used to deliver UVA radiation to FXG samples. The beam was optically modified to irradiate gel samples at an exposure level about 58 W/m², which is comparable to the summer natural UVA radiation measured outside the laboratory building at midday (～60 W/m²). Experimental results were used to generate mathematical second order formulas that give the relationship between UVA dose and optical absorbance changes observed at two wavelengths in the visible region of the spectrum—430 and 560 nm.     

Modeling of gamma-ray radiolysis data at moderate and low solute concentrations in aqueous solutions

A radiation chemical model developed for use in pulse radiolysis studies employing high energy electrons has been applied to the calculation of yields in aqueous chemical systems irradiated with ⁶⁰Co γ-rays. The fit between model calculations and experimental data is almost within experimental error in most instances. Trends are accurately predicted where quantitative agreement is not found. Predictions of molecular yields of H₂ and H₂O₂ in the presence of scavengers of precursors of these molecules are in good agreement if an initial molecular yield is assumed for both molecules. Agreement between model predictions and experimental data is reasonable at low solute concentrations where back reactions of spur intermediates are important. The model appears to be useful in modeling steady state γ radiolysis as well as pulse radiolysis data. Implications of the model in predicting possible errors in rate constant determinations are discussed.     

The effects of irradiation on Beijing roast duck

The irradiation technique combined with freezing has been used to control the microorganisms in Beijing roast duck. ⁶⁰Co was chosen as the γ-ray source. The average absorbed dose was 2 kGy. After irradiation, the microbe counts reached the tolerable level. Compared with untreated ducks, the irradiated ones showed no remarkable change in nutrition, chemistry, vitamins etc. Preliminary indications are that irradiated frozen Beijing roast duck is wholesome.     

A novel shielding material prepared from solid waste containing lead for gamma ray

Human beings are continuously exposed to cosmogenic radiation and its products in the atmosphere from naturally occurring radioactive materials (NORM) within Earth, their bodies, houses and foods. Especially, for the radiation protection environments where high ionizing radiation levels appear should be shielded. Generally, different materials are used for the radiation shielding in different areas and for different situations. In this study, a novel shielding material produced by a metallurgical solid waste containing lead was analyzed as shielding material for gamma radiation. The photon total mass attenuation coefficients (μ/ρ) were measured and calculated using WinXCom computer code for the novel shielding material, concrete and lead. Theoretical and experimental values of total mass attenuation coefficient of the each studied sample were compared. Consequently, a new shielding material prepared from the solid waste containing lead could be preferred for buildings as shielding materials against gamma radiation.     

Radiation Chemical Studies of Protein Reactions: Effect of Irradiation Liquids Containing Aromatic Hydrocarbons and pH on Optical Rotation

When protein in various liquids containing aromatic hydrocarbons, such as benzene, naphthalene, and phenanthrene, is irradiated by γ-rays from a ⁶⁰Co source the changes in the internal relationships of the atoms in the protein molecule vary with the irradiation liquids containing aromatic hydrocarbons. An empirical equation for the optical rotation was obtained, and the phenomena were explained on the basis of the molecular mechanism. Protein irradiated by γ-rays from a ⁶⁰Co source in air showed the effect of pH on the changes in the internal relationships of the atoms in the protein molecule. An empirical equation for the optical rotation was obtained, and the phenomena were explained on the basis of the molecular mechanism.