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Effect of gamma radiation on stability of silver-silver chloride and mercury-calomel commercial reference electrodes

Journal Article · · Corrosion
DOI:https://doi.org/10.5006/1.3293611· OSTI ID:72873
 [1]
  1. Pacific Northwest Lab., Richland, WA (United States)
Electrochemical potential measurements of materials in radioactive waste environments will be important in determining if the materials have a propensity for stress corrosion cracking (SCC) and pitting. Potential measurements require a reference electrode (RE), but the effect of ionizing radiation on the potential generated by the RE has been uncertain. Two common types of RE were evaluated under {sup 60}Co gamma radiation at room temperature. The silver-silver chloride (Ag-AgCl) and mercury-calomel (Hg-Hg{sub 2}Cl{sub 2}) RE showed essentially no radiation effects up to a dose rate of 2.1E6 rad/h and dose of 9.4E8 rad, indicating these RE would be useful for in-tank studies. The long-lived design of the Ag-AgCl Re showed serious potential deviations at doses of 2.E8 rad but would be the electrode of choice in many situations because it is simple to maintain. The mixed-potential theory was used to explain the radiation effects.
Sponsoring Organization:
USDOE
OSTI ID:
72873
Journal Information:
Corrosion, Journal Name: Corrosion Journal Issue: 6 Vol. 51; ISSN 0010-9312; ISSN CORRAK
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English