The Plutonium Inventory Verification Program at Mound Laboratory provides a nondestructive means of assaying bulk plutonium-bearing material. The assay is performed by combining the calorimetrically determined heat output of the sample and the relative abundances of the heat-producing isotopes. This report describes the method used for the nondestructive determination of plutonium-238, -240, -241 and americium-241 relative to plutonium-239 using gamma-ray spectroscopy for 93 percent plutonium-239 material. Comparison of chemical data on aliquots of samples to the nondestructive data shows accuracies of +-7 percent for /sup 238/Pu//sup 239/Pu, +-15 percent for /sup 240/Pu//sup 239/Pu, +- 3 percent for /sup 241/Pu//sup 239/Pu, and +-7 percent for /sup 241/Am//sup 239/Pu.

This report begins with definitions of characterization and testing, then continues with the evaluation of thirteen specific techniques including various spectroscopy, thermal, solutional properties, wet chemistry, chromatography and miscellaneous procedures. Comments and recommendations on the need for an analytical services focal point in GCD, a polymer characterization expert in OMD and the use of contractor facilities as a source of data gathering are made. It is concluded that substantial capabilities for polymer characterization do exist at LLL, but lack of adequate interfacing between OMD and GCD is preventing their effective use. Acquisition of a polymer chemist with experience in characterization techniques appears to be the best solution to this problem. Two tables outlining schemes for a check list for polymer characterization techniques and list of techniques and information needed for aging effects studies are included for reference. (DLC)