Radiation Induced Corrosion of Copper in Anoxic Aqueous Solution

The effect of gamma radiation on corrosion of copper under anoxic conditions in pure water has been studied experimentally. Copper samples submerged in water were exposed to dose rates of 0.37 or 0.77 kGy/h. Reference samples were used throughout. The copper surfaces have been examined using the techniques of SEM-EDS, IRAS, CR spectroscopy and AFM. Dissolution of copper was measured using ICP-OES. The results show that irradiated samples are more corroded than corresponding reference samples. This is also reflected by the increased concentration of copper in water after irradiation. Surface examination also reveals local corrosion features. (C) 2012 The Electrochemical Society. [DOI: 10.1149/2.022205esl] All rights reserved.