Abstract
Present research concerns the TL signal stored in chalk of the variety commercially available for writing on blackboards. Samples of this have been subjected to x-ray irradiation, the key dosimetric parameters investigated including dose and energy response, sensitivity, fading and glow curve analysis. Three types of chalk have been investigated, each in five different colours. The samples were annealed at 323 K prior to irradiation. For all three chalk types and all five colours, the dose response has been found linear over the investigated dose range, 0–9 Gy. Regardless of type or colour, photoelectric energy dependency is apparent at the low energy end down to the lowest investigated accelerating potential of 30 kV. Crayola (Yellow) has shown the greatest TL sensitivity, thus selection has been made to limit further analysis to this medium alone, specifically in respect of glow curve and fading study. In addition, elemental compositional and structural change characterizations were made for the same medium, utilizing Energy Dispersive X-Ray (EDX) and Raman spectroscopy, respectively.
•Thermoluminescence characterisation of commercial chalk under X-ray exposure, producing a linear dose response.•Mass energy response of all chalks sample dominate at 30 keV X-ray irradiation.•Main elemental compositions in chalk are found to be carbon, oxygen, calcium and sulphur.•Alteration in structural damage upon exposure to ionising radiation using Raman spectroscopy.