EVALUATION OF DI(2-ETHYLHEXYL)ISOBUTYRAMIDE (D2EHIBA) AS A PROCESS EXTRACTANT FOR THE RECOVERY OF233U FROM IRRADIATED Th

Extraction behaviour of U(VI) and Th(IV) has been studied employing 0.5 M D2EHIBA (di(2-ethylhexyl)isobutyramide) in n-dodecane as a function of nitric acid concentration. An improved separation of U from Th could be achieved in the presence of fluoride ion. Use of 1 M Al(NO3)3 in 2 M HNO3 has been suggested as the scrubbing solution. Various physico-chemical properties like density, viscosity, interfacial tension (IFT) and limiting organic concentration (LOC) of Th/U have been measured to evaluate the use of D2EHIBA as a process solvent. Degradation behaviour (acid hydrolysis as well as gamma radiolysis) of D2EHIBA under process conditions has been investigated using potentiometry as well as distribution studies.