Analysis thermogravimetric of tungsten composite for gama radiaction shielding

Abstract

The generation of Mo-99mTc generators for hospitals requires the transport of the Mo-99m material in containers with physicochemical properties for especially the shielding of gamma radiation [4, 5]. The application of tungsten alloys has been developed with the objective of minimizing the effects of radiation, being used in the manufacture of devices for the transport of radioactive material, considering its properties of specific mass (60% dense than lead), resistance corrosion, excellent absorption of high energy radiation and high mechanical strength [16,17]. The kraft lignin, a natural polymer obtained from the Kraft process of cellulosic pulp extraction, considered a residue of the cellulosic industry, can be used as a high adhesive material. The objective of this work was to perform the Thermogravimetric (TG), Differential Exploration Calorimetry (DSC) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) analyses of a new composite of tungsten and kraft lignin. The results showed the thermal and crystallographic properties of the composite, which could contribute to obtain a new material with ability to attenuate gamma radiation.