• Journal of the Korean Ceramic Society
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• v.39 no.3
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• pp.272-277
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• 2002

Aluminum nitride (AlN) powders and whiskers were synthesized by a modified carbothermal reduction and nitridation where a ($NH_4)[Al(ethylenediaminetetraacetate)]{\cdot}2H_2O$ complex is used as precursor. The AlN powders were obtained by calcining the complex without mixing any carbon source under a flow of nitrogen in the temperature range 1200∼1500$^{\circ}$C and then burning out the residual carbon. The nitridation process was investigated by $^{27}Al$ magic-angle spinning (MAS) unclear magnetic resonance, infrared spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction. The complex is pyrolyzed, converted to ${\rho}$- and ${\gamma}$- alumina and then nitridated to AlN without ${\gamma}-{\alpha}$ alumina transition. The morphology of ${\gamma}$-alumina, when it was converted to AlN, was retained, strongly indicating that ${\gamma}$-alumina is converted to AlN through solid-state $AlO_xN_y$, not through gaseous intermediates such as aluminum and aluminaum suboxides. AlN whiskers were obtained, when a (0001) sapphire was used as a catalyst.

• Nuclear Engineering and Technology
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• v.52 no.10
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• pp.2320-2327
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• 2020

The extreme hydrophobicity of expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE) hinders bone-tissue integration, thus limiting the use of ePTFE in medical implant applications. To improve the potential of ePTFE as a biomaterial, 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate (HEMA) was grafted onto the ePTFE surface using the gamma irradiation technique. The characteristics of the grafted ePTFE were successfully evaluated using attenuated total reflectance Fourier transform infrared (ATR-FTIR), field-emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM)/energy dispersive X-ray (EDX), and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). Under the tensile test, the modified ePTFE was found to be more brittle and rigid than the untreated sample. In addition, the grafted ePTFE was less hydrophobic with a higher percentage of water uptake compared to the untreated ePTFE. The protein adsorption test showed that grafted ePTFE could adsorb protein, which was denoted by the presence of N peaks in the XPS analysis. Moreover, the formation of the globular mineral on the grafted ePTFE surface was successfully visualized using the FESEM analysis, with a ratio of 1.94 for Ca:P minerals by the EDX. To summarize, the capability of the modified ePTFE to show protein adsorption and mineralization indicates the improvement of the polymer properties, and it can potentially be used as a biomaterial for implant application.

• Korean Journal of Materials Research
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• v.22 no.6
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• pp.275-279
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• 2012

(3-mercaptopropyl)trimethoxysilane (MPTMS) was used as a silylation agent, and modified silica nanoparticles were prepared by solution polymerization. 2.0 g of silica nanoparticles, 150 ml of toluene, and 20 ml of MPTMS were put into a 300 ml flask, and these mixtures were dispersed with ultrasonic vibration for 60 min. 0.2 g of hydroquinone as an inhibitor and 1 to 2 drops of 2,6-dimethylpyridine as a catalyst were added into the mixture. The mixture was then stirred with a magnetic stirrer for 8 hrs. at room temperature. After the reaction, the mixture was centrifuged for 1 hr. at 6000rpm. After precipitation, 150 ml of ethanol was added, and ultrasonic vibration was applied for 30 min. After the ultrasonic vibration, centrifugation was carried out again for 1 hr. at 6000rpm. Organo-modification of silica nanoparticles with a ${\gamma}$-methacryloxypropyl functional group was successfully achieved by solution polymerization in the ethanol solution. The characteristics of the ${\gamma}$-mercaptopropyl modified silica nanoparticles (MPSN) were examined using X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS, THERMO VG SCIENTIFIC, MultiLab 2000), a laser scattering system (LSS, TOPCON Co., GLS-1000), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR, JASCO INTERNATIONL CO., FT/IR-4200), scanning electron microscopy (SEM, HITACHI, S-2400), an elemental analysis (EA, Elementar, Vario macro/micro) and a thermogravimetric analysis (TGA, Perkin Elmer, TGA 7, Pyris 1). From the analysis results, the content of the methacryloxypropyl group was 0.98 mmol/g and the conversion rate of acrylamide monomer was 93%. SEM analysis results showed that the organo-modification of ultra-fine particles effectively prevented their agglomeration and improved their dispensability.

• Carbon letters
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• v.26
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• pp.31-42
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• 2018

Adsorption is one of the best methods for wastewater purification. The fact that water quality is continuously decreasing requires the development of novel, effective and cost available adsorbents. Herein, a simple procedure for the preparation of a magnetic adsorbent from agricultural waste biomass and ferrofluid has been introduced. Specifically, ferrofluid mixed with wheat straw was directly pyrolyzed either by microwave irradiation (900 W, 30 min) or by conventional heating ($550^{\circ}C$, 90 min). Magnetic biochars were characterized by X-ray powder diffraction, $M{\ddot{o}}ssbauer$ spectroscopy, textural analysis and tested as adsorbents of As(V) oxyanion and cationic methylene blue, respectively. Results showed that microwave pyrolysis produced char with high adsorption capacity of As(V) ($Q_m=25.6mg\;g^{-1}$ at pH 4), whereas conventional pyrolysis was not so effective. In comparison to conventional pyrolysis, one-step microwave pyrolysis produced a material with expressive microporosity, having a nine times higher value of specific surface area as well as total pore volume. We assumed that sorption properties are also caused by several iron-bearing composites identified by $M{\ddot{o}}ssbauer$ spectroscopy ([super] paramagnetic $Fe_2O_3$, ${\alpha}-Fe$, non-stoichiometric $Fe_3C$, ${\gamma}-Fe_2O_3$, ${\gamma}-Fe$) transformed from nano-maghemite presented in the ferrofluid. Methylene blue was also more easily removed by magnetic biochar prepared by microwaves ($Q_m=144.9mg\;g^{-1}$ at pH 10.9) compared to using conventional techniques.

• Nuclear Engineering and Technology
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• v.54 no.12
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• pp.4514-4521
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• 2022

In this study, the effects of heat and radiation on the degradation behaviour of fluoroelastomer under simulated normal operation and a severe accident environment were investigated using sequential testing of gamma irradiation and thermal degradation. Tensile properties and Shore A hardness were measured, and thermogravimetric analysis was used to evaluate the degradation behaviour of fluoroelastomer. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy were used to characterize the structural changes of the fluoroelastomer. Heat and radiation generated in nuclear power plant break and deform the chemical bonds, and fluoroelastomer exposed to these environments have decreased C-H and functional groups that contain oxygen and double bonds such as C-O, C=O and C=C were generated. These functional groups were formed by auto oxidation by reacting free radicals generated from the cleaved bond with oxygen in the atmosphere. In this auto oxidation reaction, crosslinks were generated where bonded to each other, and the mobility of molecules was decreased, and as a result, the fluoroelastomer was hardened. This hardening behaviour occurred more significantly in the severe accident environment than in the normal operation condition, and it was found that thermal stability decreased with the generation of unstable structures by crosslinking.

• Journal of Radiation Industry
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• v.5 no.4
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• pp.305-311
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• 2011

We introduced a novel sustainable slow-releasing agrochemical formulation, a biopolymer bound to silica, for controlling plant diseases. The formulation was obtained through the following process. Curdlan, sodium silicate ($Na_2SiO_3$) and isopropyl alcohol were dissolved in DDW (Deionized-distilled water). The resultant solution was then irradiated using a $^{60}Co$ ${\gamma}$-irradiator (150 TBq of capacity; ACEL, Canada) at KAERI. The resultant solution was treated with phosphorous acid ($H_3PO_3$). Finally, we obtained a novel biopolymer-silica microsized formulation containing phosphorous acid ($H_3PO_3$) from the solution. The morphology of the complex was characterized using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). SEM and TEM images revealed that the curdlan-silica formulation has a particle size ranging from 1 to $3{\mu}m$ with high stability. We also detected that $H_3PO_3$ was distributed within the formulation through energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) analysis. $H_3PO_3$ was sustain-released from the formulation in water. Based on our results, it seems effectively that one or two applications of the formulation during a cropping season will assist in controlling various plant diseases.

• Nuclear Engineering and Technology
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• v.56 no.9
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• pp.3796-3803
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• 2024

By employing the melt-quenching technique, the ZnO-SrO-B₂O₃-PbO (ZSBP) glasses have been successfully fabricated. The derivative of Absorption Spectra Fitting (DASF) method was used to study the energy band gap (E_g) of the glasses which decreases from 3.57 eV to 3.39 eV. The structural properties have been studied using the Raman spectroscopy. The glass transition temperature (T_g) decreases with increase in concentration of the lead oxide. The current study examines the radiation shielding properties at 30.80-444 keV. The addition of PbO to the glasses resulted in a proportionate increase in the mass attenuation coefficient (MAC), suggesting a diminishing tendency in radiation transmission. At 30.80 keV, the MAC values are extremely high and range from 18.06 to 21.11 cm²/g. As density rises, the half value layer (HVL) decreases. In addition, the average HVL (${\overline{HVL}}$) decreases. The glass thickness required to reduce the radiation intensity to 90 %, 50 %, 25 %, and 10 % of its initial value is investigated at an energy of 35.80 keV. The T90 %, T50 %, T25 %, and T10 % values are 0.0020, 0.0132, 0.0264, and 0.0439 cm, respectively. The results suggest that a greater thickness of the radiation barrier is necessary to attain the necessary degree of attenuation.

• Nuclear Engineering and Technology
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• v.49 no.8
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• pp.1752-1757
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• 2017

The aim of this study is to evaluate the radioactivity levels and radiological impacts of representative black sand samples collected from different locations in the Rashid area, Egypt. These samples were prepared and then analyzed using the high-resolution gamma ray spectroscopy technique with a high-purity germanium detector. The activity concentration ($A_c$), minimum detectable activity, absorbed gamma dose rate, external hazard index ($H_{ex}$), annual effective dose rate equivalent, radium equivalent, as well as external and internal hazard index ($H_{ex}$ and $H_{in}$, respectively) were estimated based on the measured radionuclide concentration of the $^{238}U$($^{226}Ra$) and $^{232}Th$ decay chains and $^{40}K$. The activity concentrations of the $^{238}U$, $^{232}Th$ decay series and $^{40}K$ of these samples varied from $45.11{\pm}3.1Bq/kg$ to $252.38{\pm}34.3Bq/kg$, from $64.65{\pm}6.1Bq/kg$ to $579.84{\pm}53.1Bq/kg$, and from $403.36{\pm}20.8Bq/kg$ to $527.47{\pm}23.1Bq/kg$, respectively. The activity concentration of $^{232}Th$ in Sample 1 has the highest value compared to the other samples; this value is also higher than the worldwide mean range as reported by UNSCEAR 2000. The total absorbed gamma dose rate and the annual effective dose for these samples were found to vary from 81.19 nGy/h to 497.81 nGy/h and from $99.86{\mu}Sv/y$ to $612.31{\mu}Sv/y$, which are higher than the world average values of 59 nGy/h and $70{\mu}Sv/y$, respectively. The $H_{ex}$ values were also calculated to be 3.02, 0.47, 0.63, 0.87, 0.87, 0.51 and 0.91. It was found that the calculated value of $H_{ex}$ for Sample 1 is significantly higher than the international acceptable limit of <1. The results are tabulated, depicted, and discussed within national and international frameworks, levels, and approaches.

• Nuclear Engineering and Technology
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• v.56 no.7
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• pp.2842-2849
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• 2024

The amorphous glasses containing PbO, ZnO, MgO, and B₂O₃ have been fabricated using the melt quenching technique. The structural properties have been analysed using the Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) and Raman spectroscopy. Derivative of Absorption Spectra Fitting (DASF) method have been used to estimate the band gap energy from the UV-Vis absorption data which decreases from 3.02 eV to 2.66 eV with increasing the concentration of the PbO.The four glass samples 0.284 and 0.826 MeV showed unique variations in terms of gamma attenuation ability. LZMB4 glass sample proved to be the mist effective in terms of shielding of gamma radiation as it requires little distance compared to LZMB3, LZMB2 and LZMB1 to attenuate. RPE revealed a raise with increase in the thickness of the material and reduces as the energy raises. TF is superior in LZMB1 compared to LZMB2, LZMB3 and LZMB4, confirming that, LZMB4 will attenuate better. The Z_Eff of the materials was seen falling as the energy increases, confirming that the linear attenuation coefficient of the glass materials decreases when the energy is increased. The results confirmed that, glass material LZMB4 is the best option especially for gamma radiation shielding applications compared to LZMB3, followed by LZMB2, then LZMB1.

• Advances in nano research
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• v.4 no.1
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• pp.1-14
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• 2016

Superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (Nps), composed of magnetite, $Fe_3O_4$, or maghemite, ${\gamma}-Fe_2O_3$, core and biocompatible polymer shell, such as dextran or chitozan, have recently found wide applications in magnetic resonance imaging, contrast enhancement and hyperthermia therapy. For different diagnostic and therapeutic applications, current attempt is focusing on the synthesis and biomedical applications of various ferrite Nps, such as $CoFe_2O_4$ and $MnFe_2O_4$, differing from iron oxide Nps in charge, surface chemistry and magnetic properties. This study is focused on the synthesis of manganese ferrite, $MnFe_2O_4$, Nps by most commonly used chemical way pursuing better control of their size, purity and magnetic properties. Co-precipitation syntheses were performed using aqueous alkaline solutions of Mn(II) and Fe(III) salts and NaOH within a wide pH range using various hydrothermal treatment regimes. Different additives, such as citric acid, cysteine, glicine, polyetylene glycol, triethanolamine, chitosan, etc., were tested on purpose to obtain good yield of pure phase and monodispersed Nps with average size of ${\leq}20nm$. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X-ray diffraction, energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), $M\ddot{o}ssbauer$ spectroscopy down to cryogenic temperatures, magnetic measurements and inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry were employed in this study.