Loss of Radioactivity From Barium Carbonate Samples

Abstract

The activity loss of BaCO3 samples containing C14 was investigated. Samples were prepared by evaporation of 95% alcohol from an alcohol BaCO3 slurry; after evaporation was complete, samples were dried for a few secs, at 160 C. Four diff! types of expts. are descr. in detail, all indicating that some BaCO3 samples, at least those which are heat dried, can be stored for long periods without serious loss of activity. Exchange may not be trivial with samples prepared by other methods, because of particle size distribution, particle surface condition, etc.; each circumstance at least requires observation of active samples for long periods.