Preparation and characterization of Samarium-153 bioceramics for seed brachytherapy.

Samarium-based bio-ceramics material was made using the sol-gel method. Samarium-based bioceramics are an alternative material for seed brachytherapy. The primary raw materials used in the manufacture of bioceramics materials were Sm(NO3)3.6H2O, Ca(NO3)2.4H2O, and Si(OC2H5)4 with a ratio of Sm: Ca: Si = 1: 1: 2. The optimum sintering temperature for the mixture materials of bio-ceramics was 900-1000°C, obtained from DTA (Differential Thermal Analysis). The diffractogram from XRD (X-Ray Diffraction) analysis showed the formation of an amorphous phase of SiO2, while Sm2O3 and CaO phases could not be observed. The image of SEM-EDS (Scanning Electron Microscope-Energy Dispersive X-Ray Spectrometer) analysis showed the homogenous surface of the solid mixture after sintering. Moreover, the results of SEM-EDS showed no nitrogen element in the mixture after sintering, and it was concluded that the bio-ceramics material had been formed in the oxide phase (Sm2O3, CaO, and SiO2). Activation of bioceramics to produce Samarium-153 was conducted in rabbit irradiation facility of multi-purpose reactor G.A Siwabessy. Radionuclide purity shows the dominant energy of the radioisotope Sm-153, although necessary to evaluate the possibility of the appearance of an unexpected decay product. The color changing of radiochromic film evaluated the brachytherapy isodose pattern of samarium-153 seed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]