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Standardization and validation of k0-based Neutron Activation Analysis using Apsara-U reactor and its application to pure iron metal and coal sample for trace element determination

2021; Elsevier BV; Volume: 1018; Linguagem: Inglês

10.1016/j.nima.2021.165856

1872-9576

S. K. Samanta, Arijit Sengupta, R. Acharya, P. K. Pujari,

Radioactivity and Radon Measurements

The k0-NAA method has been standardized by characterizing the G4 irradiation position of the upgraded Apsara (Apsara-U) reactor. The sub-cadmium to epithermal neutron flux ratio (f) and epithermal neutron flux shape factor (α) were determined taking dual (197Au and 94Zr), triple (197Au, 94Zr and 96Zr) and multi (197Au, 59Co, 64Zn, 68Zn, 96Zr and 94Zr) flux monitors using Cadmium ratio method. The value of f was found to be 19.94 ± 1.02 with average value of α as −0.027 ± 0.004. The method was validated by analysing SMELS-II (synthetic multielemental standards) and geological certified reference material (Andesite, AGV-1), wherein results are in good agreement with certified or recommended values. The k0-based NAA method was applied for chemical characterization of pure Iron metal and coal samples. The results obtained were further compared with ICP-OES analysis and the values are found to be in good agreement (t<tcritical) for all the elements determined. F-test was also performed in order to show the reliability of the results in terms of standard deviations.