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Updated: Jun 6, 2026
09:13
Characterization of Ultra-fine Grained and Nanocrystalline Materials Using Transmission Kikuchi Diffraction
Published on: April 1, 2017
X-ray transmission through nanostructured and microstructured CuO materials.
M Z Botelho1, R Künzel, E Okuno
1Área de Ciências Tecnológicas, Centro Universitário Franciscano, Rua dos Andradas, 1614, CEP 97010-032 Santa Maria, RS, Brazil.
Summary
X-ray transmission differs between copper oxide (CuO) nanoparticles and microparticles, especially at lower energies. Nanostructured CuO plates showed significantly higher X-ray attenuation, suggesting particle size impacts radiation shielding effectiveness.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Physics
- Nanotechnology
Background:
- X-ray transmission is crucial for radiation shielding applications.
- Understanding the influence of material morphology on X-ray attenuation is essential.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare X-ray transmission through copper oxide (CuO) microparticles and nanoparticles.
- To investigate the effect of particle size on X-ray attenuation in beeswax composites.
Main Methods:
- CuO nanoparticles (13.4 nm) and microparticles (56 μm) were incorporated into beeswax at 5% concentration.
- X-ray transmission was measured using beams generated at various tube voltages (26-102 kV).
Main Results:
- X-ray transmission was similar for micro- and nano-CuO at higher voltages (60 and 102 kV).
- At lower voltages (26 and 30 kV), nanostructured CuO plates exhibited at least 14% greater X-ray attenuation.
- This difference was attributed to a higher particle count per gram and grain size effects in the nanoparticle samples.
Conclusions:
- Particle size significantly influences X-ray attenuation, particularly at low energies.
- Nanostructured materials, like CuO nanoparticles, offer enhanced attenuation properties for specific X-ray energy ranges.
- Findings are relevant for developing advanced radiation shielding materials.
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