RADIATION-INDUCED EFFECTS ON PARTICULATE COMPOSITES FROM EPOXY-RESIN AND FLY-ASH

In this paper gamma-radiation damages and effects on an epoxide matrix and on its particulate composite with coal fly ash have been studied; the curing of both formulations was carried out at room temperature b y means of tetraethylenepentamine and of a tailored polyalkylenepolyam inophenolic product. The change on mechanical properties following the irradiation in air at room temperature has been tested as a function of the total absorbed dose. The chemical modification induced by the i onizing radiation on the matrices have been investigated by means of i nfrared spectrophotometry and differential scanning calorimetry. The h igh radiation resistance of the matrix and above all of the particulat e composite suggests its use for the confinment of low and medium acti vity radwastes (nuclear or medical).