CR-39, a thermoset resin, is a well characterized integrative detector that, when etched, shows tracks created by energetic charged particles produced in nuclear reactions. It has been questioned whether this detection method can be used in Pd/D electrolytic cell environments. Of concern is whether the pyrophoric nature of hydrogen’s interaction with palladium and its recombination with oxygen within the cell can create similar tracks. The validity of this detection method in an electrolytic cell environment is investigated. Additionally, track comparisons from detectors used in a Pd/D co-deposition experiments utilizing K-40 or Li-6 electrolytes were done to deter mine if Li-6 contributes to the observed tracks.

1. Investigation of Track Formation in CR-39 for Various Hydrated Environments
Materials and Methods
Figure 7 shows images of typical tracks observed for the environment listed
below the image. A rough estimate of background counts was conducted, and exposed
detectors all had counts well above background. The electrochemical cells display a
variety of pit sizes. Close to the cell cathode, track density becomes too high to
accurately measure. Tracks shown are representative of regions near the edge of the
dense electrodeposition site. For Pd/D with Li electrochemical experiments, radii
typically range from 3 to 7 μm, with a mean of 5.3 mm. For the Pd/D with K cells the
overall range is about the same, with a mean of 3.7 μm.
Small pits were observed with only exposure to oxyhydrogen (~ 2 μm) and
larger ones for the dry Pd exposed to oxyhydrogen. Note however that one of the
detectors was severely damaged when dry Pd was over exposed to oxyhydrogen gas,
as oxyhydrogen does ignite in the presence of Pd powder.
Detectors submerged in water and exposed to oxyhydrogen typically show
larger pits than the dry detectors subjected to oxyhydrogen gas. For detectors
submerged in water and exposed to oxyhydrogen gas, observed pits are typically
between 1.2 to 2.8 μm. Detectors submerged in water, coated in Pd powder, and
exposed to oxyhydrogen gas show a variety of pits but typical pit sizes range from
about 2.3 to 4.8 μm. The detector exposed to the ignition of acetylene gas showed
numerous tracks with a wide variety of sizes.
Oxyhydrogen gas was channeled out of the chamber with one-way check valves
and polyvinyl tubing. A 160 mm oxyhydrogen nozzle delivered the gas.
A detector was also placed in an environment where it would experience
shockwaves resulting from the ignition of acetylene gas (Fig. 6). The CR-39 was imaged,
and tracks were measured using IS Capture software and an optical microscope CCD
camera at 40 magnification. All detectors were etched in 6.5 molar NaOH for 7.5 hours
at approximately 65˚C. The detectors were then rinsed with deionized water, acetic acid
to stop the etching process, and rinsed once more with deionized water.
M. Karahadian, A. Smith, E. Vahle, H.M. Doss
Department of Physics and Engineering, Point Loma Nazarene University
Columbia Resin 39 (CR-39) is a well characterized integrative solid-state
nuclear track detector (SSNTD) [1,2] for energetic charged particles from nuclear
reactions impending on the detector in air. In 2007 Mosier-Boss et al. [3] used the
detector in an electrochemical cell involving the co-deposition of Pd/D and
observed numerous tracks. Since then, there have been many co-deposition
replications, including results shown here, but it has been questioned whether the
cause of the tracks is nuclear in nature or if they can be achieved though an
alternative process. While persuasive arguments have been made for the validity of
CR-39 by Mosier-Boss et al. [3,4], we have found no explicit experimentation that
has been done, prior to this investigation.
CR-39 is synthesized through the polymerization of diethyleneglycol bis
allycarbonate in the presence of an isopropyl peroxydicarbonate catalyst [3]. It is
insensitive to electromagnetic fields and has been well characterized for energetic
protons, deuterons, tritons, alpha particles, and neutrons in air [2]. The detector is
optically clear and is manufactured such that when heated, pressurized, or exposed
to radiation the curing process allows the allyl functional groups to cross-link
which creates a chemical bond that prevents the material from changing phase,
making a thermoset resin. Charged particles striking the SSNTD leave a trail of
broken bonds. The impacted area is more sensitive to chemical etching than the
bulk substance [3] and after exposure to an etching reagent, tracks created by
energetic particles can be observed with an optical microscope. The diameter of
the track, shape, and surface luminosity provide information regarding the energy
and direction of motion of the incident particle just before striking the detector.
Particle type might be determined if the energy is known. In electrochemical cell
experiments only the circular and elliptical dimensions of the pits are measured.
This work presents the result of direct tests to the detector in environments with
similar elements that are known to be non-nuclear in nature (i.e., chemical
reactions and shock waves) alongside results from co-deposition experiments.
Introduction
FIG. 2 Organization of the experimental regions on
each CR-39 detector
FIG. 1 Location of how CR-39 is used in the
context of aqueous Pd/D electrodeposition.
FIG. 6 CR-39 exposed to acetylene gas explosion
inside a pumpkin.
FIG. 5 Oxy-hydrogen generator & torch, digital
multimeter and 30V power supply.
Track radii created from different processes were measured for processes
claimed to be nuclear in nature [3,4] and processes with similar substances and
environments that are known to be non-nuclear in nature. Typical pit radii are results
are shown in Fig. 7. In previous works where tracks were claimed to be caused by
nuclear processes [3,4], only the diameter of the radial dimensions were measured,
and then compared with software that assumes the tracks are created by energetic
alpha particles.
Figure 7 (a-c), shows that similar substances as those used in electrochemical
co-deposition experiments, namely Pd in the presence of water and oxyhydrogen
gas, can create tracks with similar radial dimensions. Further, explosive chemical
reactions producing shock waves, Fig. 7 (g-i), also produce tracks with similar radial
dimensions. Detectors submerged in water and exposed only to oxyhydrogen gas
showed much smaller tracks, similar to former claims of proton or neutron recoil
tracks in electrochemical cells [3].
In conclusion, it cannot be claimed that tracks formed in co-deposition of Pd/D
in electrochemical cells have a nuclear origin because similar tracks are observed in
similar environments that have non-nuclear origins.
Six electrochemical cells with CR-39 were exposed to the electrochemical
deposition procedure described by Mosier-Boss et al. [4] with three cells of each of
the following complexing agents: LiCl, and KCl. A typical cell set-up is shown in
Fig. 1. Standard procedures involve exposing the CR-39 to the electrochemical
process for 14 to 21 days with increasing current across the electrodes. During this
process, Pd co-deposits with the hydrogen and the complexing agent (e.g. LiCl) on
the cathode. Oxyhydrogen gas bubbles form on both electrodes as water is
dissociated.
Three CR-39 detectors were sectioned, as shown in Fig. 2, and exposed to
oxyhydrogen gas. One side was dry, with the top half exposed only to oxyhydrogen
gas, and the bottom half to oxyhydrogen gas over powdered Pd (Fig. 3). The other
side was submerged in deionized water with the top half exposed to oxyhydrogen
gas and the bottom covered with Pd powder and exposed to oxyhydrogen gas (Fig.
4). Exposure to gas lasted approximately 15 to 30 seconds for each half.
References
[1] P. P. B.G. Cartwright, E.K. Shrik Nucl. Instrum. Meth., vol. 153, p. 457, 1978.
[2] F.H. Seguin Rev. Sci. Instrum., vol. 74, p. 975, 2003.
[3] G. F. F. L. Mosier-Boss PA, Szpak S, “Use of cr-39 in pd/d co-deposition experiments,” The European Journal of Applied Physics,
vol. 40, 2007.
[4] P. A. Mosier-Boss, L.P. Forsley Journal of Laboratory Chemical Education, p. 69-76. 2018
[5] G. Thompson, “Water fuel generator,” vol. 1, 2012.
An oxyhydrogen generator
(Fig. 5) was built with stainless-
steel plates, ABS and PVC pipe-
fittings based on a design by
Thompson [5].
A potential difference of
24.4 V was placed across the
stainless-steel electrodes, which
dissociated the deionized water
contained in the generator.
Fig. 4 Submerged in DI water with
Pd and oxyhydrogen gas.
Fig. 3 Pd igniting on contact with
oxyhydrogen gas.
a. Water, Pd, and Oxyhydrogen
g. Acetylene Explosion Shockwaves h. Acetylene Explosion Shockwaves
d. Pd/D electrodeposition: Li electrolyte
j. Pd/D electrodeposition: K Electrolyte
b. Water, Pd, and Oxyhydrogen c. Water, Pd, and Oxyhydrogen
i. Acetylene Explosion Shockwaves
k. Pd/D electrodeposition: K Electrolyte l. Pd/D electrodeposition: K Electrolyte
e. Pd/D electrodeposition: Li electrolyte f. Pd/D electrodeposition: Li electrolyte
m. Water and Oxyhydrogen n. Water and Oxyhydrogen o. Water and Oxyhydrogen
FIG. 7 Examples of measured pits from: (a-c) water, Pd, and oxyhydrogen, (d-f) Pd/D and Li in an electrochemical
cell, (g-i) acetylene explosion, (j-l) Pd/D and K in an electrochemical cell, and (m-o) water and oxyhydrogen gas.
Data
Discussion