Radiolysis of aqueous iron(III)-edta systems

To investigate the possibility of partial substitution of stainless steel, the major construction material of nuclear power plants, by the less expensive perlitic steel, the radiolysis of the Fesup(III)-edta system has been studied, in aqueous solutions. It has been found that an equilibrium is established between the radiolyses of Fesup(III)-edta and Fesup(II)-edta. The influence of formic acid and methanol as secondary additives, as well as that of the edta complexes of alloying chromium and nickel has also been studied. The basic radiolytic process was found to be the radiolysis of water, the products of which interact with dissolved substances. There is a competition between the radiolysis products of water and the solutes. (author)