Bulk Etch Rate of LR 115 Polymeric Radon Detector

Abstract

In this study, we used strippable LR 115 type 2 which is a Solid State Nuclear Track Detector (SSNTD) widely known for radon gas detection and measurement. The removed thickness of the active layer of samples of this SSNTD, were determined by measuring the average initial thickness (before etching) and residual thickness after 80 to 135 minutes chemical etching in the standard conditions, using an electronic comparator. These results allowed the calculation of the bulk etch rate of this detector in a simple way. The mean value obtained is (3.21 ± 0.21) μm/h. This value is in close agreement with those reported by different authors. It is an important parameter for alpha track counting on the sensitive surface of this polymeric detector after chemical etching because track density depends extremely on its removed layer. This SSNTD was then used for environmental radon gas monitoring in Côte d’Ivoire.