AbstractThe redeposition of colloidal magnetite particles can reduce the effectiveness of the chemical decontamination of nuclear reactors. Sodium salts of the following anionic polyelectrolytes were evaluated as particle stabilizers: polyacrylic acid, polymethacrylic acid, poly (methyl vinyl ether/maleic anhydride), sulfonated polymers. A cationic polyelectrolyte, a polyamine, was also evaluated. An active and an inactive oxidized carbon steel sample were treated in the same experimental set‐up with the decontaminating reagent and with or without the polyelectrolyte. Activity pick‐up by the inactive sample was measured. When no polyelectrolyte was added, 15% of the Co‐60 activity was redeposited. With polyelectrolyte addition in the 5–450 mg kg−1range, the Co‐60 activity redeposition ranged from 8.5 down to 0.8%. Polyacrylic acid was the most effective reagent. The transfer of the magnetite outer oxide crystals from the active to the inactive surfaces was identified on SEM
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