TBP-正十二烷辐解对黏度影响的分子动力学机制

Molecular Dynamics Mechanisms of Effect of TBP-n-dodecane Radiolysis on Viscosity

  • 摘要: 为了揭示Purxe流程溶剂辐解对黏度影响的分子机制,本文对TBP-正十二烷体系中不同聚合度的长链有机磷酸酯模型体系进行了分子动力学模拟,并对30%TBP-正十二烷混合溶剂进行了60Co辐照实验。模拟结果显示,降解产物长链有机磷酸酯含量的提高将通过分子纠缠增强、范德华力接触面积扩展、P=O键定向偶极作用来驱动黏度增长;结合P元素径向分布函数分析证明,分子拓扑结构中TBP基团的增加会通过焓驱动导致黏度非单调上升。60Co辐照实验结果解释了高剂量辐照会形成高极性拓扑结构,进而造成熵-焓失衡、削弱烷基链柔性贡献,导致黏度加速上升的现象。因此,工程堵塞风险源于溶剂持续辐解形成三维交联网络(金属配位/P-O-P交联/胶束自组装),诱发水分吸附与泥状沉淀堵塞管道。因此,防控时需结合辐照剂量控制、流变监测及分级化学处置(5% NaOH洗涤→浓酸/氧化剂深度处理)。

     

    Abstract: To elucidate the molecular mechanism by which radiolysis affects the viscosity of solvents in the Purex process, this study employed molecular dynamics simulations on model systems of long-chain organophosphates with varying degrees of polymerization within TBP-n-dodecane systems, and conducted 60Co gamma irradiation experiments on a 30vol% TBP-n-dodecane mixture solvent. The viscosities of NPT ensembles with different proportions of tributyl phosphate (TBP), n-dodecane, and their long-chain compounds were systematically simulated. According to the theoretical study, the increase in the content of long-chain organophosphate ester degradation products will drive viscosity growth through enhanced molecular entanglement, expanded van der Waals contact area, and directional dipole interactions of P=O bonds. The viscosity shows a linear growth trend (1.86-3.44 mPa·s). The molecular topology exhibits non-monotonic regulation on viscosity: The pure-phase viscosity of the T-C-T structure jumps significantly to 10.06 mPa·s due to the doubling of polar sites; The “lubricant” effect of flexible alkyl chains in the T-C-T-C structure reduces the pure-phase viscosity to 7.74 mPa·s; The viscosity of the T-C-T-C-T pure-phase system rises to 12.78 mPa·s because more TBP groups are locked with each other. This confirms that the increase in the number of TBP groups dominates intermolecular locking and sliding inhibition, and thus determines viscosity behavior. Combined with P element radial distribution function analysis, it is demonstrated that the increase in TBP groups within the molecular topology induces the non-monotonic change in viscosity via an enthalpy-driven mechanism. Furthermore, 60Co irradiation experiments reveal that high-dose irradiation forms highly polar topological structures, leading to entropy-enthalpy imbalance, reducing contribution of alkyl chain flexibility, and consequently accelerating viscosity increase. Based on the scientific findings, the engineering risk of pipeline blockage originates from the formation of persistent three-dimensional crosslinked networks during continuous solvent radiolysis via metal coordination, P-O-P crosslinking, and micellar self-assembly. This network formation triggers moisture adsorption and the generation of crud-like precipitates, ultimately obstructing pipelines. Consequently, effective risk mitigation necessitates an integrated approach combining strategies of irradiation dose control, rheological monitoring, and staged chemical treatment (initial washing with 5% NaOH followed by deep treatment with concentrated acid/oxidant).

     

/

返回文章
返回