AbstractN,N-dihexyloctanamide (DHOA) is being considered as a promising extractant in the aqueous reprocessing of spent nuclear fuels. In view of rise in temperature of the solvent during reprocessing of fast reactor fuel, the present study aimed at evaluating the physical properties such as density, viscosity, and interfacial tension and Pu(IV) extraction behavior in 1.1 M DHOA/n-dodecane as a function of temperature and duration of heating. The influence of nitric acid in altering the physical properties with respect to temperature was evaluated. Physical properties and extraction behavior of the solvent changed to a remarkable extent with temperature. Quantitative amount of Pu(IV) could be back-extracted from loaded, solvent in three contacts at 313 K. FT-IR studies were carried out to evaluate the thermal stability of the solvent. Thus, the performance of the solvent, 1.1 M DHOA/n-dodecane is satisfactory at higher temperatures also.
Fast Reactor Fuel Reprocessing Technology: Successes and Challenges
