Corrosion of Copper in Sulfuric Acid unde γ-ray Irradiation

Abstract

In order to illustrate the corrosion behavior of metals under radiation, a study was begun of the corrosion of pure metals in mineral acid under gamma irradiation. The results of experiments on the corrosion of copper in sulfuric acid are presented. Irradiation cells containing sulfuric acid in the desired concentration in which pure copper plate was immersed were irradiated using a Co/ sup 60/ gamma source, the specimen was removed from the sulfuric acid and weighed to determine the weight loss; if necessary, the surfaces of the specimens were examined photographically, or by the xray or electron diffraction method, and the corrosion products were chemically analysed. The test results were compared with those of reference runs conducted under the same conditions minus irradiation. The effect of radiation was pronounced above the total dose of 10/ sup 7/ r. The loss of weight became greater with higher acidity up to SN and then decreased, reaching a minimum at 20N. But in concentrated sulfuric acid weight loss was remarkable and a dark green corrosion product was prepitated which was assumed to be composed of CuS. The effect of radiation was mainly due to the decomposition of sulfuric acid but not to effectsmore » on the nature of the metal itself. The results are discussed from the standpoint of radiolysis of sulfuric acid solution« less