Decomposition of γ-irradiated strontium oxalate

Isothermal decomposition of gamma -irradiated (1.0-4.0 MGy) strontium oxalate has been investigated at different temperatures between 693-733 K by the gas evolution method. Decomposition isotherms of both unirradiated and irradiated crystals are characterized by (i) rapid initial gas evolution, (ii) acceleratory, and (iii) decay stages, irradiation enhances the rate of reaction without altering the mechanism of the process, the effect being higher at higher doses. Analysis of the data reveal that a two-dimensional phase boundary and the Avrami-Erofeyev mechanism give the best fit of the results. Irradiation increases the energy of activation of the decay stage without affecting the same in the acceleratory period.