Gas-Mediated Interior Corrosion of Stainless Steel Containers by Plutonium Oxide with Chloride Impurities

摘要

Significant quantities of plutonium are currently being stored by the US and other nations while awaiting decisions on future use or disposal. Much of this plutonium is in the form of PuO_2, and much of that oxide contains significant impurities from prior processing that were not removed prior to placing the material in storage. Some forms of chloride impurities are potentially problematic because they can adsorb significant moisture prior to packaging, which could then undergo radiolysis and produce H_2 gas during storage. Also, it had been recognized that if the moisture content is high enough, regions of aqueous salt solution could form in contact with container surfaces and lead to corrosion of the container interior.