Polymer Performance and Aging in a Tritium Environment

In an ideal tritium system, we would be able to remove all polymer components due the damage incurred by the resulting beta decay and reduce the required maintenance of the systems and its components. However, polymers are an integral material used within the Tritium Facility in sealing, joining, and containment and are used in several different systems within the process. With the loss of certain capabilities, such as the Normetex pump, it is necessary to identify and/or develop polymers that can better withstand exposure to beta radiation in tritium environments. This article reviews the various polymer resins and formulations that are used in a tritium environment, their properties, and their performance.