Leachability of Zircon as a Function of Alpha Dose

Abstract

ABSTRACTThe variation in the leachability of naturally occurring zircons (ZrSiO4) as a function of total alpha dose has been measured at 87°C. For calculated doses in the range of 1016to 1018alphas/gm there is an increase of one order of magnitude in the weight percent of zircon that is dissolved and an increase in the leach rate of the zircon 2.9 × 10−8to 2.3 × 10×7gm/cm2day. Totally metamict specimens (dose ≥ 1019alphas/gm) have leach rates as high as 1.8 × 10−6gm/cm2day.