Effect of gamma-irradiation on the thermal decomposition of barium oxalate hemihydrate

The effect of -irradiation (1.0–4.0 MGy) on the thermal decomposition of barium oxalate hemihydrate has been studied at 723K by a gas evolution method. Decomposition isotherms of unirradiated and irradiated crystals are characterized by (i) rapid initial gas evolution, (ii) acceleratory and (iii) decay stages. Irradiation enhances the rate of decomposition without altering the mechanism of the process, the effect being higher at higher irradiation doses. The analysis of the data reveal that the two-dimensional phase boundary reaction model gives the best fit to the results.