Ion-exchanging Surfaces in Radiological Decontamination

Abstract

THE adsorption of radioelements by the walls of glass vessels is recognized as a source of inaccuracy in radiochemical assessments, and the great affinity shown by many radioactive substances for working surfaces in the laboratory is shown by the vigorous chemical and mechanical treatments which are needed for their removal from these surfaces. Chemically resistant metals such as stainless steel and lead have been shown¹ to adsorb phosphorus-32, barium-140 and iodine-131, and complete removal was possible only by removing a thin layer of the surface. Organic materials such as polythene² and vinyl chloride-acetate copolymer have been found to be particularly resistant to contamination by aqueous solutions of radioisotopes, and they are extensively employed as constructional materials or protective coatings. We have found that films of unplasticized polystyrene, prepared by brushing a surface with a 30 per cent solution of ‘Distrene’ in toluene, possess very low adsorption for fission elements (which were in aqueous solution as nitrates). Results of experiments are given in the accompanying table.