Silica-Coated Magnetite nanoparticles (SMNP) recently gained much attractions in biomedical, environmental, construction and nuclear applications. SMNP can overcome the limitations of bare magnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (MNP) such as agglomeration, dissolution and leaching in aqueous and biological system. Silica coating protects the MNP core as well as provides excellent biocompatibility, chemical and thermal stability with higher adsorption capacity of heavy metals and radionuclides. SMNPs are mostly prepared by Modified Stöber method as the simplest route although surface pretreatment or surface modification is needed to avoid formation of large aggregates. Microemulsion method gives excellent size and shape control but needs large quantity of surfactants and solvents. Sonochemical approach provides faster hydrolysis and can prevent agglomeration without any surface pretreatment. Optimal silica coating thickness can provide uniform particles distribution, enough superparamagnetic properties for easy magnetic separation, chemical and thermal stability. Keeping in mind the wide interest in SMNP, this review is designed to report the important information on synthesis, properties and potential applications of SMNP.

In this work, control rod worth, xenon (Xe) effect on reactivity and power defect have been measured by doing experiments in the BAEC TRIGA Mark-II research reactor (BTRR) and through established theoretical analysis. Firstly, to study the xenon-135 effect on reactivity, reactor is critical at 2.4 MW for several hours. Next, experiments have been performed at very low power (50 W) to avoid temperature effects. Moreover, for the power defect experiment, different increasing power level has been tested by withdrawing the control rods. Finally, it is concluded that the total control rods worth of the BAEC TRIGA Mark-II research reactor, as determined through this study, is enough to run the reactor at full power (3 MW) considering the xenon-135 and fuel temperature effects.

affiliations are listed below as well as Dr. Khalil's updated affiliation. In addition, a typographical error was found in the Abstract, line 2; "coastal city srea" should read "coastal city area." Further, Ibrahim Khalil's name should be Md. Ibrahim Khalil. His correct name is reflected on this article.