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In vitro dissolution characteristics of aged and recrystallised high-fired 232ThO2
S P LaMont1, R H Filby, S E Glover
1Washington State University, Department of Chemistry Pullman 99164-4630, USA. stephen.lamont@srs.gov
Radiation Protection Dosimetry
|February 15, 2002
Summary
Aged thorium dioxide (ThO2) dissolves 10 times more in lungs than newer ThO2. This difference is due to recoil damage in aged materials, affecting thorium-232 dissolution.
Area of Science:
- Radiochemistry
- Materials Science
- In Vitro Toxicology
Background:
- Thorium dioxide (ThO2) is a radioactive material with potential health implications.
- Understanding the dissolution of ThO2 in biological environments is crucial for risk assessment.
- The age and physical state of ThO2 may influence its solubility and biological fate.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the in vitro dissolution characteristics of aged and newly prepared thorium dioxide (ThO2).
- To determine the effect of material age and crystal structure on the dissolution of thorium-232 (232Th).
- To develop a model predicting 232Th dissolution based on material properties.
Main Methods:
- In vitro dissolution assays using two types of ThO2: aged, high-fired ThO2 and recently recrystallized, high-fired ThO2.
- Analysis of 232Th dissolution over time.
- Development of a dissolution model based on nuclear track theory.
Main Results:
- Aged ThO2 exhibited approximately 10 times greater 232Th dissolution compared to recrystallized ThO2.
- Recoil damage to the crystal structure of aged ThO2 was identified as the cause for increased solubility.
- A model correlating 232Th dissolution fraction with material age and surface area was established.
Conclusions:
- The age and associated crystal damage of ThO2 significantly impact its dissolution rate in lung-like conditions.
- Recoil damage enhances the solubility of 232Th from aged ThO2.
- The developed model provides a framework for predicting ThO2 dissolution based on material characteristics.