Influence of initial composition changes caused by UV and gamma irradiation on wave propagation in the Belousov–Zhabotinsky reaction

The aim of this work is to look for the effects of controlled UV and gamma irradiation of reactants on chemical wave propagation in the BZ reaction. We use a quasi-2D gel layered system to prevent convection effects. We monitored the onset of wave propagation and measured the velocities and number of generated wave-fronts. Results are compared with the non-irradiated BZ system. UV totally suppresses the induction period, while gamma radiation may affect both the induction period and propagation parameters. Results are interpreted in terms of some of the most critical intermediate species of the BZ mechanism.