Thermal decomposition of radio-oxidized polymers

International audienceMany polymers are used in nuclear industry and are then stored in nuclear waste packages. In case of accidental conditions of transportation, the temperature of packages may increase and reach 150°C. The accumulation of the gases formed may affect the integrity of the waste container. Therefore, for safety purpose, it is important to predict the gas quantity released by different organic materials and measure the kinetic of thermal decomposition of radio-oxidized polymers. The purpose of this work is to present the results of a multi-year study performed on four polymers (polyethylene, cellulose, polyurethane, polyvinyl chloride). The effect of dose, atmosphere and degradation temperature on the quantity of gas release was investigated