Abstract
THE rate of decomposition of solids is a function of the rates of: (1) nuclear formation; (2) propagation of the reaction outwards from the nuclei. Both these components might be expected to be influenced by external stimuli. The formation of nuclei by bombardment of the solid with α- or β-particles, or by irradiation with ultraviolet light, X-rays and γ-rays should be possible in favourable circumstances, and by the same agencies the rate of propagation of the reaction might be accelerated. For example, the effects of pre-irradiation by high-energy γ-rays (∼ 1 MeV) on the subsequent thermal decomposition of the permanganates of sodium, potassium, rubidium, cæsium and silver are to shorten the induction period and accelerate the reaction1. It was of interest, therefore, to examine the effect of pre-irradiation by γ-rays on the isothermal decomposition of barium azide. There have been several previous investigations of the effects of radiation on barium azide. Pre-irradiation with α-particles2, X-rays3, and ultra-violet light4 accelerates the rate of subsequent thermal decomposition, but to our knowledge no study has been made of the effect of γ-rays.
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References
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PROUT, E., MOORE, D. Thermal Decomposition of Barium Azide. Nature 203, 860–861 (1964). https://doi.org/10.1038/203860a0
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/203860a0
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