EFFECTS OF TRITIUM GAS EXPOSURE ON THE GLASS TRANSITION TEMPERATURE OF EPDM ELASTOMER AND ON THE CONDUCTIVITY OF POLYANILINE

Technical Report · Fri Dec 12 04:00:00 EST 2008

DOI:https://doi.org/10.2172/950027· OSTI ID:950027

Clark, E; Marie Kane, M

Four formulations of EPDM (ethylene-propylene diene monomer) elastomer were exposed to tritium gas initially at one atmosphere and ambient temperature for between three and four months in closed containers. Material properties that were characterized include density, volume, mass, appearance, flexibility, and dynamic mechanical properties. The glass transition temperature was determined by analysis of the dynamic mechanical property data per ASTM standards. EPDM samples released significant amounts of gas when exposed to tritium, and the glass transition temperature increased by about 3 C. during the exposure. Effects of ultraviolet and gamma irradiation on the surface electrical conductivity of two types of polyaniline films are also documented as complementary results to planned tritium exposures. Future work will determine the effects of tritium gas exposure on the electrical conductivity of polyaniline films, to demonstrate whether such films can be used as a sensor to detect tritium. Surface conductivity was significantly reduced by irradiation with both gamma rays and ultraviolet light. The results of the gamma and UV experiments will be correlated with the tritium exposure results.

• Research Organization: SRS
• Sponsoring Organization: DOE
• DOE Contract Number: AC09-08SR22470
• OSTI ID: 950027
• Report Number(s): SRNL-STI-2008-00522
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE
ELASTOMERS
ELECTRIC CONDUCTIVITY
GAMMA RADIATION
IRRADIATION
MECHANICAL PROPERTIES
ORGANIC POLYMERS
RADIATION EFFECTS
TRANSITION TEMPERATURE
TRITIUM
ULTRAVIOLET RADIATION