Radiation stability of colloidal metals in aqueous solutions

The effect of ionizing radiation (accelerated electrons and gamma-rays of C o-60) on the stability of aqueous solutions of colloidal silver, cadmium, c obalt, thallium, copper and lead has been studied. The threshold of absorbe d dose, at which the stability of the colloid dramatically decreases and co agulation of silver, cadmium and cobalt occurs, was found. This critical do se corresponds to the reduction of metal ions that determines the electrica l potential of the sols. "Radiation" neutralization was not observed in the case of thallium, copper or lead. A mechanism of the effect of radiation, taking into account the electrostatic factor in the stability of metal sols is considered.