Effects of solvent recycling on radiolytic degradation of 30% tributyl phosphate-n-dodecane-HNO3 system

Samples of 30% tributyl phosphate (TBP)-n-dodecane-HNO3 undergoing gamma ra diolysis with and without solvent cleanup have been examined by GLC and IR spectrometry. In order to assess the rate of buildup of various radiolytic species in the solvent, their relative hydrophobicities with respect to alk aline wash have been determined. The differences in the Pu extraction and r etention behaviors of the two solvent systems with increasing dose are expl ained in terms of the formation of derivatives of nitroparaffins and high m olecular weight organophosphates.