Cs Speciation in Cements

Abstract

ABSTRACTSolid-state 133Cs magic angle spinning nuclear magnetic resonance (MAS NMR) measurements have been used to investigate Cs speciation in cements designed for immobilizing low-level nuclear wastes. Cs in ordinary Portland cement cured for only 10 days at room temperature appears to only inhabit aqueous solutions, as evidenced by a sharp signal with no sidebands, whether or not substantial quantities of blast furnace slag or silica fume are present. No significant 133Cs spectral differences were observed when slag or silica fume were present for curing periods of 10 days, but differences due to Cs partly inhabiting crystalline sites instead of water solutions were observed after 12 months in the slag-containing cement. Pre- incorporation of Cs in various zeolites, followed by mixing the zeolites into the cement, leads to enhanced Cs retention in the cement when it is subject to water leaching at 25°C.