Optimization study of the cementitious matrix for the confinement of radioactive ion exchange resins: preparation and characterization

Abstract

In order to optimize the formulation of the conditioning matrix of the Ion Exchange Resins (IER) (MBD-15), considered as radioactive waste generated by the TRIGA MARK II nuclear reactor of the CENM, we carried out several tests by fixing the percentage of cement and by modifying the percentages of the resins to be confined (0 - 14%) and that of water. On the other hand, we performed another test to illustrate the role of an aggregate such as sand, in the cement matrix. The measured response of all the tests carried out is evaluated by the compressive strength of the matrix, after a time of 7, 14 and 28 days of confinement. The results obtained show that the maximum amount of IER that can be incorporated into a formulation without the package losing its strength is 12%. The addition of an aggregate (sand) in the cement matrix increases its compressive strength.

Keywords

• radioactive waste
• formulation
• containment matrix
• radioactive waste packaging