Using Gamma Ray Transmission for Determination of Porosity in Doped Alumina Samples

Abstract

     In this study, gamma ray transmission method have been used to determine the total porosity in four samples: pure Alumina  ( Al₂O₃   ),  Al₂O₃ + (0.2wt%)MgO ,  Al₂O₃ + (0.6wt% )Y₂O₃  and Al₂O₃+ (8wt% ) ZrO₂ .

      The experimental setup for the gamma ray transmission consist of ¹³⁷Cs gamma source ( 662 KeV  ), a  NaI (Tl) scintillation detector measured the attenuation of strongly collimated  gamma beam through alumina samples.

The porosity obtained by the gamma ray transmission method were compared with the measurements by conventional (Archimedes) method. It was observed that the porosity measurement by gamma ray transmission method has the advantage  of being accurate, nondestructive and fast analysis.