IMMOBILIZATION OF INTERMEDIATE-LEVEL WASTES IN GEOPOLYMERS

Intermediate-level wastes (ILW) are immobilized in monolithic solids o f low dispersibility. Alkali-activated aluminosilicate binders, known as geopolymers, are investigated in this work for possible application in ILW solidification. Results show that Sr is reasonably immobilized . Its concentrations in water were below the detection limit. In Q-bri ne, 2-7 wt% of Sr were leached in 6 months. Cs was leached more rapidl y than Sr. Leached fractions were 1-11 wt% and 14-28 wt% in water and Q-brine, respectively, depending on the geopolymer composition. 20-40 wt% of Mo were leached in water, and 4-18 wt% were leached in Q-brine. Tolerance of the solidified matrix to water was quite adequate. Sampl es maintained their shape, dimensions, and strength to the end of expe riments. On the contrary, tolerance of most compositions to Q-brine wa s poor. Cement-glass, for comparison, gave better results under the sa me conditions. Concentrations of Mo and Sr were below the detection le vels in all cases. Cs was also not detectable in Q-brine. Only 4-6 wt% of Cs were leached into water. In addition, tolerance to both water a nd Q-brine was quite good.