RADIOLYTIC DECOMPOSITION OF TRIBUTYLPHOSPHATE - EFFECT OF GAMMA-RADIATION DOSAGE ON BONDS STABILITY

A study was undertaken of the radiolytic decomposition of tributylphos phate (TBP) using Co-60 gamma source and the effect of radiation dosag e upon the different chemical bonds of TBP was investigated. The main reaction products are less substituted derivative esters (DBPA and MBP A) and phosphoric acid. For dosage smaller than 15 Gy, G-O bond of P-O -G group is mainly involved. As dosage is raised up to 20 Gy, the proc ess becomes more complex and the formation of carboxylic compounds and polymers, due to P-O and G-G bonds cleavage, was also observed.