Analysis of Zr in UZr (6%) alloy has been done by measuring complex compounds of Zr-Arsenazo III with spectrophotometric method

Sample solutions were prepared by dissolving UZr 6% ingot using 1 M HF and 1 M HNO₃ solvent at 95°C. Complex formation of UZr was made by the reaction of UZr (6%) with arsenazo III (0.1%). Verification of parameters for the formation and measurement of Zr-arsenazo III complex was performed by using standard solution of SRM SPEK Zr at various concentrations, arsenazo III (0.1%) and HCl. The result showed that the optimum condition for the formation of Zr-arsenazo III complex was at a wavelength of 666.3 nm, 9 N HCl, which was stable at 30 minutes to 3.5 hours and at a concentration of arsenazo III (0.1%) of 80 ppm. The analysis was done in the range of 0.04 ppm to 0.5 ppm with an accuracy and precision of 1.846% and 0.868% respectively. The Separation process of Zr from UZr alloy was required before the analysis because the presence of uranium in the sample might affect the analysis result significantly. The separation of Zr from uranium matrix was done by extraction using TBP/kerosene (7:3) with contacting time of 10 minutes. The analysis of Zr in the aqueous phase shows that the content of Zr is 5.28% with 91,84% recovery and 0,08% method precision (RSD). (author)