Radiation-induced decomposition of anion exchange resins

Radiation-induced degradation of the strongly basic anion exchange resin Amberlite™ IRA400 in NO3-, Cl− and OH− forms has been studied. The research focused on the formation of molecular hydrogen in the gamma-radiolysis of water slurries of these quaternary ammonium resins with varying water content. Extended studies with various electron scavengers (NO3-, N2O and O2) prove an important role of esolv- in the formation of H2 from these resins. An excess production of H2 in these systems at about 85% water weight fraction was found to be due to trimethylamine, dimethylamine and other compounds that leach from the resin to the aqueous phase. Irradiations with 5 MeV 4He ions were performed to simulate the effects of α-particles.