Date of Award

3-2025

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science

Department

Department of Engineering Physics

First Advisor

Abigail A. Bickley, PhD

Abstract

Particle effluent of varying sizes is released during routine activities within laboratory environments and these particles can come in contact with a wide range of surfaces. Particles of micron size or smaller can be especially pervasive and can transfer between multiple subsequent surfaces, leading to the progressive contamination of a laboratory. Understanding the transport dynamics of micron sized particles will help inform facility personnel of the possibility of contamination by these potentially hazardous materials of interest. In this research, the transfer efficiency of micron sized surrogate actinide particles (Europium-doped Gadolinium Oxysulfide (EGOS)) is measured for multiple materials, between two particle size classes, and with varying contact times, through human induced gloved thumb press interactions. Results provide evidence that material roughness could be more of an influence on particle-to-surface adhesion than material surface energy for the materials used in these experiments. The larger distribution of EGOS particles, averaging 25 µm, when deposited on glass had a lower average transfer efficiency than the small 2.5 µm average particle size grouping, but the overlap in uncertainty showcases the need to further test surfaces with a higher roughness material. Lastly, this research did not find evidence of a transfer efficiency dependency on the time of contact in particle surface-to-surface interaction.

AFIT Designator

AFIT-ENP-MS-25-M-214

DTIC Accession Number

AD1356664

Comments

An embargo was observed for posting this graduate work on AFIT Scholar.  Approved for public release, distribution unlimited. PA case number on file. 

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