Radon 222 permeation through different polymers (PVC, EVA, PE and PP) after exposure to gamma radiation or surface treatment by cold plasma

In order to limit radon emission during the storage of radioactive wastes and to comply with the different regulations in the storage facility, the packaging used for these types of wastes should include intermediate enclosures, such as polymer membranes used as radon barriers. However, the membrane would be subjected to different types of radiation during long periods of storage, it would have to be regularly monitored for damage. The first aim of this study is to check the efficiency and the continuity of such polymer membranes subjected to different accelerated ageing processes by exposure to gamma radiation. PolyVinyl Chloride (PVC) and Ethylene Vinyl Acetate (EVA) membranes were studied after gamma exposures. Thus, we evaluated the effects of the gamma radiations on the radon permeation coefficient, and the degradation of these polymers due to this exposure. The second objective of this study is to evaluate the modifications of the polymer surface by cold plasma. PolyEthylene (PE) and PolyPropylene (PP) membranes were studied. Exposure of a polymer to a plasma creates reactive sites on the polymer's surface. Different modifications in the surface composition (chemical composition, molecular weight, etc.) can be obtained. The advantage of the plasma process is that it acts within seconds and does not produce any noticeable effects on the bulk properties. The obtained results show that this treatment increases the polymer's efficiency as a radon barrier. (C) 1997 Elsevier Science B.V.