Evaluation of radiation resistance of hollow fibers for possible application in radioactive waste treatment

Effect of gamma radiation on morphology, mechanical properties and hydrophobicity of hollow fibers made from different polymeric materials, such as poly ether–ether ketone with Card (PEEK-WC), polysulfone, polyacrylonitrile and polyvinyl fluoride was studied by measuring various mechanical properties, such as tensile strength and Young modulus. Mass transport studies of Am(III) with hydrophobic PEEK-WC hollow fibre impregnated with N,N,N′,N′ -tetraoctyl diglycolamides (TODGA) gave 30 ± 4 % retention of Am(III) in 30 min. Retention of Am(III) was unaffected after irradiating the fibers to 60 and 120 kGy.