Developing methodologies for source attribution: glass phase separation in Trinitite using NF3

Journal Article · Mon May 01 00:00:00 EDT 2017 · Radiochimica Acta

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1515/ract-2016-2641· OSTI ID:1526239

Koeman, Elizabeth C. ^[1]; McNamara, Bruce K. ^[2]; Smith, Frances N.  ^[2]; Simonetti, Antonio ^[1]; Burns, Peter C. ^[1]

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1. University of Notre Dame
2. BATTELLE (PACIFIC NW LAB)

This study details thermal reactions between glasses, common minerals, and Trinitite post-detonation material with the fluorinating agent nitrogen trifluoride (NF3). The ultimate goal of our investigation is to develop a relatively rapid method for the effective separation of bomb components from complex matrices resulting from a nuclear explosion. Trinitite samples, silicate minerals (quartz; plagioclase and microcline), amorphous SiO2, calcite, a natural glass (obsidian), and two synthetic glasses were characterized extensively before and after the fluorination to fully understand the effects of the NF3 thermal treatment. Samples were reacted with NF3 using a combined thermogravimetric (TG) differential thermal analysis (DTA) unit, as well as in a stainless steel bomb reactor connected to a fluorination line. Subsequent to the NF3 treatment, samples were imaged by scanning electron microscopy in order to document changes in grain size and morphology.

• Research Organization: Pacific Northwest National Lab. (PNNL), Richland, WA (United States)
• Sponsoring Organization: USDOE
• DOE Contract Number: AC05-76RL01830
• OSTI ID: 1526239
• Report Number(s): PNNL-SA-127491
• Journal Information: Radiochimica Acta, Vol. 105, Issue 5
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English