Gamma ray induced decomposition of barium and strontium nitrates dispersed in sulphate and carbonate matrices in solid state

Abstract

The G(NO<img src='http://www.niscair.res.in/jinfo/two.gif' border=0>) values in gamma radiolytic decomposition of barium and strontium nitrates are enhanced by their respective sulphate and carbonate additives, their concentration and the absorbed dose. The enhancement is more significant at &gt;95 mol % of the additive after which the increasing trend is not so significant. Thermoluminescence and ESR spectral studies suggest the formation of radical species such as SO<img src='http://www.niscair.res.in/jinfo/Subscript4.gif' border=0>, SO<img src='/image/spc_char/3_bar.gif' border=0>, O<img src='http://www.niscair.res.in/jinfo/two.gif' border=0>, CO<img src='/image/spc_char/3_bar.gif' border=0>, CO<img src='http://www.niscair.res.in/jinfo/two.gif' border=0>, etc. which may interact with the radical species of nitrates (NO<img src='http://www.niscair.res.in/jinfo/three.gif' border=0>, 'NO₂ etc). causing enhanced decomposition by energy transfer. A comparison of the carbonate and sulphate additives shows the former to be more efficient medium of energy transfer.