Etching and technical parameters of Makrofol KG plastic foil for manufacture of nuclear track membrane

Abstract

Bulk etching properties and technical parameters of Makrofol KG plastic foils have been studied for manufacture of nuclear track membrane by using fission fragments at nuclear reactor. The following conclusions have been drawn. (1) Bulk etching rate (V b ) of Makrofol KG versus etching temperature (T) follows Arrhenius equation and activation energy E=0.66±0.02 eV. (2) Bulk etching rate versus NaOH concentration (n) follows power law V b =an b , in which a=1.58x10 -2 μm/hr and b=2.02. (3) Range distribution of 235 U fission fragments in Makrofol KG plastic foil has been measured and will direct production of nuclear track membranes. (4) Percentage of tracks through the foils with different thicknesses and pore sizes has been calibrated. The relation between specifications of nuclear track membranes and that of raw-material foils has been studied. It will be a guide to track-membrane production.