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3. Chemical properties of sodium and their consequences
Sodium's specific chemical properties have been the driving force behind most of our research into safe and reliable technologies for controlling and operating this coolant in complete safety. The main lines of research have therefore focused on the areas presented in the following paragraphs.
3.1 Reaction of sodium with air. Sodium fires
The reactions and reactivity of sodium in contact with air depend on numerous parameters, such as the temperature of the sodium, its state of dispersion and the humidity of the air.
Solid sodium, freshly cut in the open air, tarnishes very quickly. Its surface color changes from silver-gray to dull gray. Over time, this gray coloration can turn white or become covered with a viscous or even liquid...
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Chemical properties of sodium and their consequences
Sodium quality control in a nuclear reactor
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