Formation of ultrafinely dispersed oxide and metal phases by electron-beamirradiation of cellulose modified with transition metal salts

Radiation-thermal transformations of cellulose modified with iron and other transition metal salts were studied. It was shown that electron beam irrad iation at a dose rate of greater than or equal to 9.0 kGy/s results in inte nse heating of the material. At an absorbed dose of 400 kGy, a temperature of 650 K is attained. Under these conditions, the pyrolysis of cellulose ta kes place and ultrafinely dispersed metal particles and nonstoichiometric o xides in the pyrophoric state are produced. The mechanism of the transforma tions is discussed.