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Aluminium-gold reference material for the k0-standardisation of neutron activation analysis

  • Chris D. Ingelbrecht
  • , Frans W. Peetermans
  • , F. De Corte
  • , A. De Wispelaere
  • , C. Vandecasteele
  • , E. Courtijn
  • , P. D'Hondt

    Research outputpeer-review

    Abstract

    Gold is an excellent comparator material for the k0-standardisation of neutron activation analysis because of its convenient and well defined nuclear properties. The most suitable form for a reference material is a dilute aluminium-gold alloy, for which the self-shielding effect for neutrons is small. Castings of composition Al-0.1 wt.% Au were prepared by crucible-less levitation melting, which gives close control of ingot composition with minimal contamination of the melt. The alloy composition was checked using induction-coupled plasma source emission spectrometry. The homogeneity of the alloy was measured by neutron activation analysis and a relative standard deviation of the gold content of 0.30% was found (10 mg samples). Metallography revealed a homogeneous distribution of AuAl2 particles. The alloy was certified as Reference Material CBNM-530, with certified gold mass fraction 0.100±0.002 wt.%.

    Original languageEnglish
    Pages (from-to)119-122
    Number of pages4
    JournalNuclear Inst. and Methods in Physics Research, A
    Volume303
    Issue number1
    DOIs
    StatePublished - 15 May 1991

    ASJC Scopus subject areas

    • Nuclear and High Energy Physics
    • Instrumentation

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