Evaluation of a New, Macroporous Polyvinylpyridine Resin for Processing Plutonium Using Nitrate Anion Exchange.

摘要

Anion exchange in nitric acid is the major aqueous process used to recover and purify plutonium from impure scrap materials. Most strong-base anion exchange resins incorporate a styrene-divinylbenzene copolymer. A newly available, macroporous anion exchange resin based on a copolymer of 1-methyl-4-vinylpyridine and divinylbenzene has been evaluated. Comparative data for Pu(IV) sorption kinetics and capacity are presented for this new resin and two other commonly used anion exchange resins. The new resin offers high capacity and rapid sorption kinetics for Pu(IV) from nitric acid, as well as great stability to chemical and radiolytic degradation. 8 refs., 14 figs. (ERA citation 14:026313)