Effect of gamma-radiation on thermal decomposition of bis(diethylene triamine)cobalt(II) nitrate and bis(diethylene triamine)zinc(II) nitrate

Effect of γ-radiation on non-isothermal decomposition kinetics of bis(diethylene triamine)cobalt(II) nitrate and bis(diethylene triamine)zinc(II) nitrate have been studied in nitrogen atmosphere at a heating rate of 10 deg C/minute. The data were analyzed by Coats- Redfern, Freeman-Caroll and Horowitz-Metzeger methods. The result showed that irradiation enhanced thermal decomposition in both the complexes. Activation energy and associated kinetic parameters are lowered upon irradiation and the extent of lowering is higher in cobalt complex compared to zinc complex. Order of the reaction for each step was found to be unity. The mechanism for deamination and decomposition is controlled by R2 function except for the deamination of unirradiated cobalt complex where the process is governed by R3 function. (author)