Radiolysis of organic polymeric materials

 

Andrzej J. Rafalski

 

Organic materials are a key component of Transuranic (TRU) waste stored in the Waste Isolation Pilot Plant (WIPP). These materials will be radiolytically changed in the repository for many hundreds of years. The first and the most important step of post-irradiation reactions is detachment of hydrogen atoms to form organic radicals. The next step depends on the kind of the molecule. In present work, this process will be discussed using polypropylene as an example. The polypropylene radicals undergo a secondary reaction with oxygen from the air to form peroxy radicals. Gravimetric analysis, performed on several electron beam irradiated samples, showed that reaction with oxygen is a chain reaction and can last for long periods of time.

 

ABSTRACT

GRADUATE STUDIES IN RADIOCHEMISTRY AT COLORADO STATE UNIVERSITY.

S.A. Ibrahim. Department of Environmental and Radiological Health Sciences

Colorado State University

Fort Collins, CO, 80523, USA

The Department of Environmental and Radiological Health Sciences (ERHS) at Colorado State University (CSU) has recently established a specific area of specialization in radiochemistry within its existing graduate program. The program main objective is to increase the pool of appropriately educated and trained radiochemists in the USA. This undertaking is supported in part, through the sponsorship of the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), Office of Nuclear Energy, Science and Technology, Radiochemistry Education Award Program, administered by South Carolina University Research and Education Foundation. The programs core curriculum is designed to provide in-depth integrated coverage of radiochemistry and related areas, linked with a summer internship at selected DOE-supported laboratories. The internship component is intended to provide students with hands-on experience with various laboratory activities and interaction with radiochemistry personnel. Laboratory facilities participating in the internship program include: the Carlsbad Environmental Monitoring & Research Center, The Savannah River Ecology Laboratory, Los Alamos National Laboratory and Argonne National Laboratory. Three (3) highly qualified students were recruited and admitted into the program with full financial support (stipends and tuition) for the current academic year 2002-03, and all are making good progress toward their M.S. degree. Program details are featured at the following web site: http://www.cvmbs.colostate.edu/radiology/grad_programs/radiochem/radiochem3.html. The ERHS department and CSU are committed to the success and long-term viability of this program and is providing all instructional facilities and equipment needed.