Role of semiconducting oxide (CuO) and gamma-irradiation on the thermal decomposition of barium oxalate

Influence of the semiconducting oxide, CuO, (1.0-10.0 mol%) and gamma-irrad iation (0.5-5.0x102 KGy) on the thermal decomposition of barium oxalate has been studied by the gas evolution method. The process occurs through initi al gas evolution followed by a sigmoidal zone consisting of acceleratory an d decay periods. Lower concentrations of the additive reduce the value of f raction decomposed, alpha, and decrease the rate of reaction in the acceler atory and decay stages, the effect being more prominent in the case of form er. However, reaction rate increases with increasing concentration of the a dditive. The extent as well as the rate of decomposition in the accelerator y stage is facilitated on irradiation but the reverse takes place in the de cay period, the effect being higher at higher doses.