Corrosion of delta plutonium by water

Corrosion of delta-stabilized (1 wt % Ga) WR plutonium was studied in water, synthetic sea water, tap water, and distilled water. The product is a dark blue-green residue, suggesting a mixture of hydrated trivalent and tetravalent plutonium hydroxides. The corrosion rate, inversely dependent on pH, increases with ionic concentration and decreases with thicker surface layer of the product hydroxide. The competing spallation of the product layer is discussed. 3 figures. (DLC)