Effect of gamma radiation on organic ion exchangers

Effects of gamma radiation on indigenous strong cation and anion exchange resins have been studied in HCl medium up to a dosage of 3600 kGy. The ion exchange capacities of cation and anion exchangers decreased by around 20% at 2400 kGy of absorbed dose. Decrease in salt-splitting capacity and total exchange capacity for both cation and anion exchangers were comparable up to 2400 kGy. Above 2400 kGy, a marginal loss in the capacity was observed for cation exchangers whereas a drastic reduction was noticed for the anion exchangers. The distribution coefficients for zirconium, antimony and cobalt, measured in HCl medium, did not change significantly for 2400 kGy of absorbed dose. Crushing strength and moisture retention capacity did not exhibit any specific trend with the absorbed dose.