The effect of γ-irradiation on the thermal decomposition of magnesium bromate

The thermal decomposition of γ-irradiated magnesium bromate was studied by dynamic thermogravimetry. The reaction order, activation energy, frequency factor and entropy of activation were calculated by the Coats-Redfern equation and were compared with those of unirradiated salt. Irradiation enhances the decomposition and the effect increases with irradiation dose. The activation energy decreases on irradiation. The mechanism for the decomposition of unirradiated and irradiated magnesium bromate follows the Avrami model equation and the rate-controlling process is a phase boundary reaction assuming spherical symmetry. (author) 24 refs.; 5 tabs