An x-ray spectrometric method for analyzing binary plutonium-zirconium alloys containing 1 to 25 wt% Zr has been developed. The alloys are analyzed as solutions in 8 M nitric acid. Yttrium is added as an internal standard. The techniques involved in handling and containing the radioactive solutions in conventional liquid cells are described in detail. No modifications to the x-ray spectrometer are required. Adaptations of this method have been used for the analysis of binary plutonium-gallium and plutonium-uranium alloys.
LarsonH. V., “Factors in Controlling Personnel Exposure to Radiations from External Sources,” in Plutonium Handbook: A Guide to the Technology, WickO. J., Ed. (Gordon and Breach, New York, 1967), Vol. 2, p. 845.
11.
MetzC. P. and WaterburyG. R., “The Transuranium Actinide Elements,” in Treatise on Analytical Chemistry, KolthoffI. M. and ElvingP. J., Eds. (John Wiley & Sons, New York, 1962), Part II, Vol. 9, p. 354.
12.
WallaceP. L.WaldenJ. C., and MaganaJ. W., J. Electrochem. Soc.119, 715 (1972). The amount of Ni(NO3)2-6H2O in Table I should be 3 wt%, not 3 g/cc.
