Behaviour of Radio- Thermoluminescence (X-Ray Irradiated), Thermal and Structural Characterization of Limestone

Abstract

In this study, it was reported radioluminescence properties of limestone from Kütahya, Turkey for the first time in this study, which has been the subject of many studies in both mineralogical and gemological fields. Limestone is the general name of carbonate roks, which is the mineral with typical colors according to the impurity elements in rock and exhibited luminescence properties under x-ray irradiation. The radio&thermoluminescence data were analyzed for limestone. Besides, x-ray diffraction pattern was created for structural characterization, scanning electron microscope images and energy dispersive x-ray spectroscopy maps were taken to determine morphological features. When the radioluminescence spectrum of the limestone was detailed, a broad emission consisting of several peaks was observed in the visible region. In the thermoluminescence spectrum taken after the x-ray excitation of the limestone, three thermoluminescence peaks were observed at 97 oC, 170oC and 320 oC. Also; TL kinetic parameters are reported; The activation energy (E) and frequency factor (s) of the first peak were determined in detail using the methods of peak shape and varying heating rates.