α and γ Irradiation Stability of 30%TBP-Kerosene-HNO₃ Systems

The radiation stability of 30%TBP-kerosene-HNO₃ during α or γ irradiation was studied. The results show the radiation dose is the primary factor affecting degradation products and plutonium retention in the organic phase. Degradation products and plutonium retention in irradiated TBP extraction system increases with the radiation dose and the concentration of preeqilibration nitric acid before irradiation. The plutonium retention in irradiated TBP extraction system by α irradiation is more than by γ irradiation. However, the concentrations of carbonyl compounds, dibutyl phosphate and monobutyl phosphate in irradiated organic phase increase with the radiation dose during α or γ irradiation, but the produced quantity are approximately the same for each radiolysis product. The possible reason of causing the above mentioned phenomena may be attributed to the acceleration of the secondary degradations and the formation of other products by α irradiation.