What Are the Effects of Gamma Radiation on Carbon 60?

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on the effects of gamma radiation on Carbon 60, also known as buckminsterfullerene or buckyballs. Participants clarify that while Cobalt-60 is often referenced in radiation contexts, the inquiry pertains specifically to Carbon 60. It is established that Carbon 60 can ionize upon gamma absorption, similar to other materials, but gamma radiation does not influence nuclear decay rates, as the majority of carbon exists as stable carbon-12. The conversation also touches on the high costs associated with producing Carbon 60 for potential applications, such as in deep space engines.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of gamma radiation and its effects on materials
  • Knowledge of Carbon 60 (buckyballs) and its chemical properties
  • Familiarity with nuclear decay concepts and terminology
  • Awareness of material costs and production methods for advanced materials
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the ionization effects of gamma radiation on Carbon 60
  • Explore the production methods for Carbon 60, including atmospheric techniques
  • Investigate the applications of Carbon 60 in aerospace engineering
  • Learn about the stability of buckyballs under various radiation exposures
USEFUL FOR

Researchers in materials science, aerospace engineers, physicists studying radiation effects, and anyone interested in the applications of Carbon 60 in advanced technologies.

Freshtictac
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What are the known or suggested effects of γ-radiation on carbon 60?
 
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Each gram of Cobalt-60 will contain approximately 50 curies.
 
Freshtictac said:
... Cobalt-60 ...

Your title says "Carbon 60".

Maybe this is making those with knowledge of Cobalt NOT look at the question of Carbon.
I thought you might be talking about buckyballs.

Neil
 
captn said:
Your title says "Carbon 60".

Maybe this is making those with knowledge of Cobalt NOT look at the question of Carbon.
I thought you might be talking about buckyballs.

Neil

You're completely correct Neil... I posted out of excitement. But I would like an answer kinda like that, for Carbon as stated in the title.

How much γ-radiation could Carbon 60 absorb before half-life decay became visible?
I have seen tests of various radiation absorption on aluminum, tin, and lead, but never of C60 like materials, I know that when it was discovered it was hard to fabricate and very expensive, still is. I was thinking to make a deep space engine out of the material but it would cost nearly 5billion for the buckytubes in fluid alone by current prices. I was also considering an atmospheric production method, but I have no clue if that would be possible.
Indeed a common name for Carbon 60 is buckyballs "The structure of C60 - buckminsterfullerene - is that of a truncated icosahedron, which resembles a round soccer ball of the type made of hexagons and pentagons, with a carbon atom at the corners of each hexagon and a bond along each edge." http://www.3dchem.com/moremolecules.asp?ID=217&othername=Buckminsterfullerene
 
Last edited:
C60 would ionize on gamma absorption, like most everything else. Buckyballs are chemically very stable on ionization.

I have no idea what you mean by "half-life decay". Absorbing gamma radiation doesn't affect nuclear decay. (Besides which, 99% of carbon is stable 12C)
 

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