Isotopes separation On-Line (ISOL) facilities utilize proton irradiation of a target material to produce radioisotopes, which are later extracted and purified. In this study, the target material of interest is thorium carbide (ThCx) since it allows the production of the radioisotope Ac-225. Ac-225 is being studied as a promising radioisotope to fight against cancer. The produced Ac-225 would be extracted in gas form out of the structure by diffusion at a temperature of more than 2000°C. Afterwards, the isotopes would effuse out of the bulk until an ion source that would proceed to purify the isotopes with the help of a mass separator. The required high temperature conditions would enhance the sintering of the ceramics material which will inhibit the production of isotope out of the bulk. For this reason, the material engineering study of the ThCx target material to minimize the sintering behaviour is crucial.
The goal of this master thesis project is to identify a novel and promising carbon source which allows the hinder of the sintering of the thorium carbide target materials at operational temperatures, and to get the protocol to manufacture it. Hence, at least 3 different carbon sources will be studied. Prior to mix with ThO2 powder, carry out the pelletization and its latter carbothermal reduction into ThCx (typically ThC2 + 2C), the material engineering study will be carry out using a surrogate material, most probably zirconia powder.
Het vereiste minimumdiploma van de kandidaat
- Academic bachelor
De vereiste achtergrondkennis van de kandidaat
- Chemistry