Influence of Irradiation on the Stability of Extraction Mixtures Based on Methyltri-n-Octylammonium Carbonate

The radiation thermal stability of extraction mixtures based on methyltrioctylammonium (MTOA) carbonate was studied. The volumes and maximum rate of release of gaseous products at atmospheric and elevated pressures were determined. No exothermic processes were shown to occur in the studied mixtures under experimental conditions. Irradiation up to a dose of 1 MGy has little effect on the density, viscosity, and surface tension of mixtures, but significantly reduces the phase separation rate. The distribution coefficients of Am(III) in the system of 50% MTOA carbonate in toluene are practically independent of the absorbed dose; however, irradiation can significantly affect the composition of the extractable americium complexes. The results of the study of extraction systems showed their high radiation thermal stability.