Radiolytic formation of ferrous and ferric ions in carbon steel – deaerated water system

The influence of gamma irradiation on the formation of Fe ions was investigated with respect to the expected ingress of groundwater into the disposal site with spent nuclear fuel containers. Deaerated conditions were ensured by working in an inert atmosphere. The kinetics of Fe2+ and Fe3+ formation in the presence of ionizing radiation was studied. Radiation increases the amount of corrosion products; it affects their composition mainly via radiation oxidation of ferrous to ferric ions. Characterization of crystalline solid corrosion products using X-ray powder diffraction was performed. Predominantly magnetite and lepidocrocite were found in solid phase.