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THE AFFECTS OF LOW DOSE RADIATION ON POLYMERS

THE AFFECTS OF LOW DOSE RADIATION ON POLYMERS. Cindy Johnson Palacios High School Mentor John Ford Nuclear Engineering Problem: How does low doses of radiation affect polymers?. Core Elements of Research. Properties of polymers Structure Sensitivity to radiation

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THE AFFECTS OF LOW DOSE RADIATION ON POLYMERS

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  1. THE AFFECTS OF LOW DOSE RADIATION ON POLYMERS Cindy Johnson Palacios High School Mentor John Ford Nuclear Engineering Problem: How does low doses of radiation affect polymers?

  2. Core Elements of Research Properties of polymers Structure Sensitivity to radiation Properties and sources of radiation (TEKS 2,11B&C, 6B) Charge Mass Energy Energy involved with radiation (TEKS 9A) Units - rad/kGy; rem/mrems Purpose: To determine which polymer is the most sensitive to radiation

  3. Safety Guidelines • Storage of radioactive materials • Do not eat radioactive sources • Do not remove the radioactive source from the lab • Caution: Sodium Hydroxide is caustic (can cause burns). • Wear goggles and aprons

  4. TEKS and TAKS The student is expected to: • (2A)TEKS  plan and implement investigative procedures including asking questions, formulating testable hypotheses, and selecting equipment and technology; (B) • (2B)  collect data and make measurements with precision; (B) • (2C) express and manipulate chemical quantities (B) • (2D) organize, analyze, evaluate, make inferences, and predict trends from data; and (B) • (2E) communicate valid conclusions. (B) B represents both TEKS and TAKS

  5. TEKS and TAKS CONT. • (6B)  analyze stable and unstable isotopes of an element to determine the relationship between the isotope's stability and its application; • (11B)  demonstrate the use of symbols, formulas, and equations in describing interactions of matter such as nuclear reactions; and • (11C)  explain and balance nuclear equations using number of atoms, masses, and charge

  6. Lesson Introduction • Pretest over radiation • Radiation vocabulary • Three types of radiation and properties • Examine materials for radiation using the Geiger counter • Polymers and properties • Introduce the experimental procedure

  7. Protocol/Procedure • Source of radiation, Americium-241, Coleman Mantles-old • Polymers used • Preparation • Radiation emitted by source • Expose the polymers • Etch in a 6.5N NaOH • Wash and dry • Examine and count

  8. Penetrations in CR-39 Using a Mantle Source

  9. Heavy Field of Penetrations Using CR-39 and Am-241

  10. Field Edge Using CR-39 and Am-241

  11. Comets and Penetrations Using CR-39 and Am-241

  12. Penetrations in Lexan (polycarbonate) Using Am-241

  13. Penetrations and Comets in Lexan Using CR-39 and Am-241

  14. Acetate Using Am-241

  15. Student Analysis • Estimate penetrations • Rank (sensitivity), determine (best) • Cost effective detector. • Play CDs or memory cards (susceptible to LDR) • Best media storage

  16. Pre-test and Post-test Pre-test Post-test The test will cover questions over the types of radiation and properties, what blocks the particles, vocabulary, energy, polymers

  17. Acknowledgements • National Science Foundation for funding • E3 RET for a once in a lifetime experience and education • Texas A & M University for use of the facilities, the teachers, and the education • Dr. John Ford for all of his time, effort, patience, knowledge, and the experience of a lifetime • STP for its funding

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