Comparison of decomposition techniques for solid samples with emphasis on actinide content determination

Abstract

Comparison of conventional acid digestion with mixtures of acids HNO₃, HClO₄, and HF and thermal fusion utilizing Li borate as a fusion agent was made for solid samples. In the study, various parameters such as amount of the sample taken for the analysis, as well as addition of tracers before and after dissolution procedures were investigated. The obtained results showed that dissolution without any residue was achieved only when the fusion method was used. Thus, no filtration was needed prior to the loading of the sample on the resin to perform radiochemical separation. Alpha-particle spectrometry and neutron activation analysis were used for determination of the actinides content in the investigated samples as well as in residues obtained after dissolution.