NONDESTRUCTIVE ANALYSIS OF SILVER ALLOYS BY MEANS OF LOW-ENERGY GAMMA-RAYS AND NEUTRON TRANSMISSION MEASUREMENTS

Transmission of neutrons and of low-energy γ-rays was employed for determining the composition of silver alloys, which are constituted of silver, copper and lead as predominant elements. Transmission measurements of 0.5 μg 252Cf neutrons allowed the determination of the Ag content, independently of the Pb content, and transmission measurements of 241Am 60 keV γ-rays and 57Co 122keV γ-rays allowed the simultaneous determination of Ag and Pb. The transmission methods have the advantage of being non-destructive, simple and allowing systematic measurements on a large number of alloys. Measurements were carried out on standard samples" and on silver coins in 100 s measuring time and compared to results obtained by the specific gravity method. The absolute error in the silver content determination ranges between 1 and 2%. © 1979."