Re: Question re Radiolytic Breakdown of Plastics

[JOHN.RICH@sargentlundy.com]

There were a few reports on organic degradation due to radiation that came

out shortly after TMI.  One that seemed particularly helpfull was from

EPRI; EPRI NP-2129, "Radiation Effects on Organic Materials in Nuclear

Plants."



The basic mechanisms were cross-linking and damage from free radicals.  If

I remember correctly, the first property to go was flexibility.  But most

of the organics were good to about 1E5 rads before they exhibited

appreciable degradation.



hope this helps.



All opinions are mine.  My management doesn't even know I have an opnion.

john rich