Oxidation kinetics of plutonium in air: Consequences for environmental dispersal

Kinetic studies show that plutonium corrosion in air is catalyzed by plutonium hydride on the metal surface and suggest that the process has caused storage containers to fail. The catalyzed reaction initiates at 25 degrees C, indiscriminately consumes both O2 and N2, and transforms metal into a dispersible product at a 107-1010 faster rate (0.6 ± 0.1 g Pu/cm2 min) than normal air oxidation. The catalyzed Pu+O2 reaction advances into the metal at a linear rate of 2.9 m/h. Rate equations and particle size data, which are presented for catalyzed and atmospheric corrosion at temperatures up to 3500 degrees C, provide a technical basis for more accurately assessing the dispersal hazard posed by plutonium metal