Gamma-ray densitometry: Nondestructive analysis of density evolution during ceramic powder processing

Conference · Mon Feb 01 04:00:00 EST 1988

OSTI ID:5450068

Schilling, C H; Graff, G L; Samuels, W D; Aksay, I A

Gamma-ray attenuation measurements enable nondestructive analysis of density heterogeneities which evolve during the processing of ceramics and ceramic composites by powder consolidation methods. A densitometer apparatus has been constructed at the Pacific Northwest Laboratory or use in situ measurement of porosity and composition as a function of time and position during powder compaction and sintering. Attenuation experiments were performed with aqueous suspensions of colloidal ..cap alpha..-Al/sub 2/O/sub 3/ to evaluate the sensitivity of the gamma-ray densitometer and also to investigate the role of pH on compaction processes during sedimentation. One of the concerns with this technique is whether the gamma radiation degrade sample solvents or dispersing agents; no evidence of radiation damage was revealed in aqueous polymer solutions, based on analysis with gas chromatography, ion chromatography, and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. 29 refs., 6 figs.

• Research Organization: Pacific Northwest Lab., Richland, WA (USA); Washington Univ., Seattle (USA)
• DOE Contract Number: AC06-76RL01830
• OSTI ID: 5450068
• Report Number(s): PNL-SA-15179; CONF-870878-5; ON: DE88006671
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

07 ISOTOPE AND RADIATION SOURCES
070204* -- Radiation Sources-- Industrial Uses
Radiometric
36 MATERIALS SCIENCE
360202 -- Ceramics
Cermets
& Refractories-- Structure & Phase Studies
ALUMINIUM COMPOUNDS
ALUMINIUM OXIDES
CERAMICS
CHALCOGENIDES
CHEMICAL ANALYSIS
COMPACTING
COMPOSITE MATERIALS
DENSIMETERS
ELECTROMAGNETIC RADIATION
FABRICATION
GAMMA RADIATION
IONIZING RADIATIONS
MATERIALS
MATERIALS TESTING
MEASURING INSTRUMENTS
METALLURGY
NONDESTRUCTIVE ANALYSIS
NONDESTRUCTIVE TESTING
OXIDES
OXYGEN COMPOUNDS
POWDER METALLURGY
RADIATION ATTENUATION TESTING
RADIATIONS
RADIOMETRIC GAGES
SINTERING
TESTING