Journal of Material Sciences & Engineering

Trapping of Alpha Particles and Radon using Epoxy/Poly Vinyl Acetate Blend Foam

Abstract

M.M El-Toony and H.A.S.Aly

Intelligent foam has been achieved by blending epoxy and poly vinyl acetate (PVA) with different ratios, foaming with nitrogen gas was further performed. It was found 25 Kilo gray irradiation electron beam obtained from accelerator was enough for compatibility and modified mechanical behavior. Water uptake to 50% was maintained over night and release was completed after 6 days at 20°C. Thermal behavior testing revealed heat resistance up to 200°C. Structure characterization was determined by FTIR spectroscopy while mechanical investigation was applied using hardness tester. The Foam blend was used to trap alpha particles emitted by 239Pu and 241Am. Alpha counts were continuously recorded while water uptake was carried out until count cut off. Medium decontamination from radon was tracked via water uptaken foam using 773 ppm 226Ra source until count cut. Durability of foam was measured by ten times repeatable water uptakes alpha particles and radon cut off showed no significant difference. Radon associated lead and bismuth were determined in the foam using SSNTD CR39 and a streamer detector and assured by using EDX which proved sorption of radon by specified foam.