SOLIDIFICATION OF ION-EXCHANGE POWDER IN SODIUM WATER-GLASSES

Ion exchange materials loaded with radioactive isotopes are produced i n several processes along the nuclear fuel cycle. The aim of this stud y is to investigate the possibility of solidifying ion exchanger in wa ter glass to replace cement. Ion exchange powder was loaded with radio active Cs-137 and Sr-90, solidified in sodium water glasses, hardened with AlPO4 and leached in water and Q-brine at 50-degrees-C. Control s amples were made of high alumina cement under similar conditions. Tole rance of solidified matrix to water was quite adequate. Samples mainta ined their shape and dimensions to the end of the experiments. In Q-br ine, samples were cracked or broken to small pieces within the first w eek. The fraction of Cs leached into Q-brine was 70-90% and not more t han 14% in water. 15% of the strontium leached into Q-brine and less t han 0.4% leached into water. Sodium water-glass was shown to be superi or phase in water, while cement behaved better in Q-brine.