Figure 3. Relative radiation resistance of elastomers.

DOE-HDBK-1132-99

FIGURE 3. Relative radiation resistance of elastomers.

The damage done to organic materials by the presence of tritium in the internal

structure of the material is not limited to the more obvious radiation damage

effects. Tritium, particularly in the form of T +, has the insidious ability to leach

impurities (and nonimpurities) out of the body of the parent material. In many

cases, particularly where halogens are involved, the damage done by

secondary effects such as leaching can be more destructive than the

immediate effects caused by the radiation damage. In one such case, the

tritium contamination normally present in heavy water up to several curies per

liter was able to leach substantial amounts of chlorides out of the bodies of

neoprenea O-rings that were used for the seals. The chlorides leached out of

The proper chemical name for neoprene is " hlorobutadiene."

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