Abstract
Solidified cured cement blocks containing different concentrations of the borate waste simulate were impregnated using methyl methacrylate monomer having 0.3% by weight benzoyl peroxide as initiator. Then, the polymerization process was completed by heating the impregnated blocks at ≈40°C. To define the suitability, range of applicability, and compatibility of the inert matrix used, relevant to the borate waste immobilized, the final radioactive borate waste forms are evaluated on the basis of their mechanical and chemical properties. Some factors that may affect the characterization of the obtained final waste form, for example, concentration of the incorporated borate waste solution simulate, aging of the solid waste form, before immersion, immersion in various leachants, and time of immersion, were followed systematically. It could be stated that cement-poly(methylmethacrylate) composite exhibited better mechanical and chemical characters compared to the cement as a unique matrix for immobilization of borate waste concentrates.
Highlights
The principle waste materials generated from the pressurized water reactors (PWRs) consist of hot (≈77∘C) aqueous concentrates of boric acid
The good understanding of the mechanical and chemical characterizations of the solidified waste form is based on the interpretation of the experimental results obtained as well as the long-term behavior and durability of polymer impregnated cement
The mechanical characters of the cement-PMMA composite waste form were evaluated under different borate concentrations, immersion in different leachants, and various periods of immersion
Summary
The principle waste materials generated from the pressurized water reactors (PWRs) consist of hot (≈77∘C) aqueous concentrates of boric acid. In this part of the work, cementpoly(methylmethacrylate) (PMMA) composite was used for incorporation of these wastes to overcome the retarding effect of borate salts in case of their direct cementation. Cement materials have been used on a large scale as immobilization matrices for radioactive wastes to minimize release of radionuclides [3, 4]. Poly(methylmethacrylate) (PMMA), as an organic polymer, has been used as an effective additive to improve the properties of the cement waste forms [5, 6]. Mechanical and chemical properties of the final waste form were evaluated under various experimental conditions
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