Recoil Reactions with High Intensity Slow Neutron Sources. III. The Radiation Decomposition of Crystalline KBrO3

The relative contributions of energetic neutrons and γ- and β- rays to the radiation decomposition of crystalline KBrO3 in the Oak Ridge graphite pile were determined as approximately 20, 40, and 40%, respectively. Decomposition yields (i.e., "G''-values) for β-rays and pile γ-rays were 1.0 plus or minus 0.1 molecule per 100 e.v. energy absorbed, while for energetic neutrons yields varying from 23 to 30, dependent on neutron energy, were found. The much greater efficiency for decomposition by fast neutrons was attributed to the mechanism whereby these particles transfer energy to bromate radicals.