Alternative Wide-Band-Gap Materials for Gamma-Ray Spectroscopy.

Thallium-bromide (TlBr), mercury-sulfide (HgS), and mercury-oxide (HgO) detectors have been investigated as room-temperature or close-to-ambient-temperature operational semiconductor gamma-ray spectrometers. The three-dimensional position-sensitive single-polarity charge sensing technique, successfully used on CdZnTe gamma-ray imaging spectrometers, has been applied to 5-mm thick TlBr detectors and has resulted in energy resolutions as good as 0.73% FWHM and 0.97% FWHM at 662 keV on the best anode pixel and from all nine pixelated anodes respectively. Furthermore, three-dimensional position-sensing readout technology enabled characterization of both initial transient behavior and room-temperature failure behavior as a function of three-dimensional location within the TlBr detector material. Cathode-side alpha-particle irradiation also enabled the study of the electron drift velocity as a function of detector depth during both initial and room-temperature transient phases. This work presents the latest spectroscopic performance, characteristic initial transient behavior observed at -20 C, and room-temperature failure behavior on a number of 5-mm thick TlBr detectors manufactured by Radiation Monitoring Devices. Experimental results suggest uniform stable performance may be achieved through improved surface preparation and contact fabrication. This work also presents preliminary radiation and electronic response results for HgS and HgO detectors.PHDNuclear Engineering & Radiological SciencesUniversity of Michigan, Horace H. Rackham School of Graduate Studieshttp://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/99885/1/thrall_1.pd

Towards a circular economy: fabrication and characterization of biodegradable plates from sugarcane waste

Bagasse pulp is a promising material to produce biodegradable plates. Bagasse is the fibrous residue that remains after sugarcane stalks are crushed to extract their juice. It is a renewable resource and is widely available in many countries, making it an attractive alternative to traditional plastic plates. Recent research has shown that biodegradable plates made from Bagasse pulp have several advantages over traditional plastic plates. For example, they are more environmentally friendly because they are made from renewable resources and can be composted after use. Additionally, they are safer for human health because they do not contain harmful chemicals that can leach into food. The production process for Bagasse pulp plates is also relatively simple and cost-effective. Bagasse is first collected and then processed to remove impurities and extract the pulp. The pulp is then molded into the desired shape and dried to form a sturdy plate. Overall, biodegradable plates made from Bagasse pulp are a promising alternative to traditional plastic plates. They are environmentally friendly, safe for human health, and cost-effective to produce. As such, they have the potential to play an important role in reducing plastic waste and promoting sustainable practices. Over the years, the world was not paying strict attention to the impact of rapid growth in plastic use. As a result, uncontrollable volumes of plastic garbage have been released into the environment. Half of all plastic garbage generated worldwide is made up of packaging materials. The purpose of this article is to offer an alternative by creating bioplastic goods that can be produced in various shapes and sizes across various sectors, including food packaging, single-use tableware, and crafts. Products made from bagasse help address the issue of plastic pollution. To find the optimum option for creating bagasse-based biodegradable dinnerware in Egypt and throughout the world, researchers tested various scenarios. The findings show that bagasse pulp may replace plastics in biodegradable packaging. As a result of this value-added utilization of natural fibers, less waste and less of it ends up in landfills. The practical significance of this study is to help advance low-carbon economic solutions and to produce secure bioplastic materials that can replace Styrofoam in tableware and food packaging production