1 | P a g e

RECYCLING OF X-RAYS
Done by:
2 | P a g e

Acknowledgements
I would like to express my gratitude to the principle Mr. Srinivas
Naidu for allowing us to this project and Mr. Arul Valan, head of
dept. chemistry for showcasing our curiosity in the subject.
I would also like to thank Ms. Ambili and Ms. Nadia who
constantly guided and encouraged me for doing this project.
My special thanks to the school authorities for giving us a well
equipped laboratory and facilitating its use whenever it was
required.




3 | P a g e

Index



s.no Topic page
1 introduction 4
2 Recycling of x-ray
film
6
3 A creative insight 8
4 Extracting silver
from x-rays
10
5 bibliography 12
4 | P a g e

Introduction
X-ray was first discovered by physicist Wilhelm Rontgen. X-ray films for
general radiography consist of an emulsion-gelatin containing radiation
sensitive silver halide crystals, such as silver bromide or silver chloride,
and a flexible, transparent, blue-tinted base. The emulsion is different
from those used in other types of photography films to account for the
distinct characteristics of gamma rays and x-rays, but X-ray films are
sensitive to light. Usually, the emulsion is coated on both sides of the base
in layers about 0.0005 inch thick. Putting emulsion on both sides of the
base doubles the amount of radiation-sensitive silver halide, and thus
increases the film speed. The emulsion layers are thin enough so
developing, fixing, and drying can be accomplished in a reasonable time. A
few of the films used for radiography only have emulsion on one side
which produces the greatest detail in the image.


5 | P a g e




When x-rays, gamma rays, or light strike the grains of the sensitive silver
halide in the emulsion, some of the Br
-
ions are liberated and captured by
the Ag
+
ions. This change is of such a small nature that it cannot be
detected by ordinary physical methods and is called a "latent (hidden)
image." However, the exposed grains are now more sensitive to the
reduction process when exposed to a chemical solution (developer), and the
reaction results in the formation of black, metallic silver. It is this silver,
suspended in the gelatin on both sides of the base that creates an image.
See the page on film processing for additional information.





6 | P a g e

Recycling x-ray film

INGREDIANTS REQUIRED

X-ray film
%0% solution of Nitric acid
Sodium hyposulphate solution
Trough
Sponges

PROCEDURE

Cut the X-ray film to appropriate size as required
Place the film in a trough filled with 5o% solution of nitric acid,
enough to soak the whole of the film.
Leave the trough undisturbed for about 3 hours.
Remove the film and rub over the film. The residue of the image over
the film will be removed.
Now place the film over sodium hyposulphate.



7 | P a g e



NOTE: After rubbing the black silver coating over the film, it shall still
remain bluish. This coloration can be completely removed by
increasing the duration of the film kept soaked in the solution
of nitric acid.






8 | P a g e

A creative insight

LAMINATION
The recycled X-ray film shows different shades of transparency that can
be controlled with duration of soaking the film in nitric acid. The
resulting film can be used for effective lamination; the bluish tinge gives
an added edge of attractive appeal.





9 | P a g e

CRAFT
The X-ray film is rather stiff. This stiffness can be used to put the scrape
x-rays laying at home to some worthwhile use of art and craft. The
radiation patterns on the film would make innovative jewelry pattern.



The above is a sample of a simple pair of homemade earrings using the
interesting look of the recycled x-ray film.


10 | P a g e

Extracting silver from x-rays

There are several ways to extract silver from other compounds and
materials. Most people who are interested in extracting silver are
interested in extracting it from used camera film and X-ray film, as well
as from waste chemicals used in processing films. If you are looking for a
home-based business that has high profit potential, as well as one that
will help reduce chemical and physical waste that is buried in landfills,
then consider setting up a silver extraction business.

INTSTRUCTIONS
Buy or build an electrolysis machine. This machine will help you to extract
silver from your waste chemicals. You can find electrolysis machines in
science supply stores, or you can make your own using a 12-volt charger and
a rubber tub.

Find waste products to extract silver from. You can contact hospitals and
imaging companies or place an ad in the local newspaper to collect used film
rolls, X-rays and waste photographic chemicals. (Hypo and fixers both
contain silver.) You can expect to generate about 0.254 grams of pure silver
from each roll of 24-exposure film.

Set up your electrolysis station. If you have an electrolysis machine, you will
fill the machine with a caustic solution and turn the machine on. If you are
working with your homemade electrolysis machine, you will want to place
hot water and your caustic solution into your rubber tub, place the charger
plates in the solution and turn on the charger.

11 | P a g e

Prep your waste materials for electrolysis. If you are working with waste
chemicals, you can just pour them into the electrolysis tank. However, if you
are working with films, you will need to burn them before dumping their
ashes in the tank.

Complete the process of electrolysis. You will dump your prepped waste
materials into the electrolysis tank and allow the silver to be leached out by
the chemical reactions created by the caustic solution and the electrical
current. As the process progresses, you will notice silver flakes developing on
the charger plates. This process can take anywhere from 30 minutes to
several hours, depending on the voltage and caustic solution you are using.
Dont leave your electrolysis machine unattended during this process until
you are familiar with how long it takes for the process to complete.

Collect your silver. Turn off the charger and remove the plates from the tank.
Scrape the silver flakes from the charger plates onto a paper towel. Then use
tweezers to move the silver flakes into a glass jar.



12 | P a g e

Bibliography
Wikipedia
Google images
www.xrayfilmsrecycling.com
www.ehow.com