Magnesium potassium phosphate cements to immobilize radioactive concrete wastes generated by decommissioning of nuclear power plants

• DOI: 10.1016/j.net.2021.01.005
• Publication Date: 2021-01-14T04:34:07Z
• Authors: Jae-Young Pyo; Wooyong Um; Jong Heo
• Keywords: Nuclear decommissioning; Struvite; Potassium phosphate

This paper evaluates the efficacy of magnesium potassium phosphate cements (MKPCs) as waste forms for solidification radioactive concrete powder wastes produced by decommissioning nuclear power plants. MKPC specimens that contained up to 50 wt% simulated (SCPWs) were evaluated. We measured porosity and compressive strength specimens, observing them using scanning electron microscopy X-ray diffraction. The addition SCPWs reduced increased specimens. Struvite-K crystals well-synthesized, no additional crystal phase was formed. After thermal cycling after immersion, with satisfied waste-acceptance criteria (WAC) strength. Semi-dynamic leaching tests performed ANS 16.1 method; leachability indices Cs, Co, Sr 11.45, 17.63, 15.66, respectively, which also satisfy WAC. Thus, MKPCs can provide stable matrices immobilize generated