Physicochemical Properties and Dissolution in Simulated Biological Fluids of Particles of Beryllium-Powered Rocket Motor Exhaust and Pure Beryllium Oxides Calcined at Low and High Temperature

Abstract

Certain physicochemical characteristics and dissolution properties, in simulated biological fluids, of Beryllium-powered rocket motor exhaust (RME) particles were compared to those of pure Beryllium oxide (BeO-the major component of RME) calcined at either 550 or 1600 deg C. The purpose of these comparisons was to determine which of the forms of BeO had physical and dissolution characteristics most similar to RME, thereby providing a preliminary basis for estimation of the potential toxicity of RME and to determine which form of BeO might be best suited as a surrogate for RME in future studies. RME is very scarce and difficult, as well as costly, to obtain. Though not definitive, this investigation suggests that the physical structure and dissolution properties of RME particles may be most similar to those of BeO calcined at the lower temperatures, which is widely held to be the most toxic of the BeO species.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Dec 01, 1990
Accession Number
ADA240288

Entities

People

  • E. C. Kimmel
  • R. L. Carpenter
  • S. A. Howe
  • W. T. Brashear

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Biomedical
  • Weapons Technologies

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Air Force
  • Air Force Facilities
  • Beryllium
  • Biomedical Research
  • Blood
  • Elements
  • Governments
  • High Temperature
  • Materials
  • Measurement
  • Particle Size
  • Particles
  • Rocket Engines
  • Standards
  • Statistical Analysis
  • Toxic Hazards
  • Toxicity

Readers

  • Aerosol Science/Aerosol Physics
  • Metallurgy
  • Surface Coatings Technology.