γ-Radiation Modification of Magnesium Oxide

The adsorption ability, specific surface area, density changes and also the dehydration regularities of two kinds of MgO, obtained from Mg(OH)₂, under different conditions and irradiated with small doses (D) of γ-radiation, have been studied. Combining these results with the data concerning the thermo- and X-ray phase analysis, crystalochemical transformations occurring on MgO surface layers have been established. The dependence of the studied properties on D shows that in the regions D ≤ 100 - 150 Gy and D ≥ 150 Gy, different transformations occur which pre-determines the external character of property versus dose dependence. The observed changes are due to the reconstruction of surface layers by the route : brucite → periclase → brucite.