Investigating the Li2O-Al2O3-B2O3 matrix: A promising approach for immobilizing radioactive waste

IF 1.8 3区工程技术 Q3 CHEMISTRY, INORGANIC & NUCLEAR

Applied Radiation and Isotopes Pub Date : 2025-04-01 Epub Date: 2025-01-20 DOI:10.1016/j.apradiso.2025.111696

Syaza Amira Zulkeplee, Nor Ezzaty Ahmad, Mohamad Syazwan Mohd Sanusi, Suhairul Hashim

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Abstract

Dealing with radioactive waste, particularly from various industrial processes, poses significant challenges. This paper explores the use of lithium aluminate borate (Li-Al-B) glass matrix as an alternative method for immobilizing radioactive waste, focusing specifically on waste generated in tin smelting industries, known as tin slag. The study primarily concentrates on transforming tin slag, a byproduct abundant in Natural Occurring Radioactive Material (NORM), into a stable and safe form for disposal. The experimental procedures involve blending different compositions of tin slag and Li-Al-B glass, followed by melting them at 1000 °C for 1 h and then rapidly cooling to room temperature. The resulting glass waste identifies an optimal weight percentage of waste loading (typically ranging from 25% to 45%), to minimize volume while effectively immobilizing radioactive material. Notably, the glass waste exhibited an amorphous phase during the product consistency test (PCT) process, demonstrating the fundamental relationship between waste composition and immobilization efficiency. Energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) analysis confirmed a uniform distribution of major elements within the glass waste, underscoring its structural integrity. Furthermore, the dissolution rate of key elements in the glass waste is analyzed, revealing a robust resistance to leaching under varying pH conditions. The normalized mass loss of Boron (B), Lithium (Li), and Aluminum (Al) consistently remain below established glass limits (<2 gm^-2), indicative of the glass's exceptional durability. In conclusion, these findings highlight the potential effectiveness of Li-Al-B glass as a versatile host material for immobilizing solid radioactive waste, extending beyond its initial application with tin slag. By highlighting the positive qualities of this matrix, the study emphasizes its potential flexibility in accommodating various types of solid waste matrices.

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研究Li2O-Al2O3-B2O3基质：一种有前途的放射性废物固定化方法。

处理放射性废物，特别是来自各种工业过程的放射性废物，构成了重大挑战。本文探讨了使用铝酸锂硼酸盐（Li-Al-B）玻璃基质作为固定放射性废物的替代方法，特别关注锡冶炼工业产生的废物，即锡渣。锡渣是一种富含天然放射性物质（NORM）的副产物，主要研究如何将锡渣转化为稳定、安全的处置形式。实验过程包括混合不同成分的锡渣和Li-Al-B玻璃，然后在1000℃下熔化1小时，然后快速冷却到室温。由此产生的玻璃废物确定了废物装载的最佳重量百分比（通常范围为25%至45%），以最大限度地减少体积，同时有效地固定放射性物质。值得注意的是，在产品一致性测试（PCT）过程中，玻璃废料表现出非晶相，这表明废料成分与固定化效率之间存在基本关系。能量色散x射线光谱（EDX）分析证实了玻璃废料中主要元素的均匀分布，强调了其结构完整性。此外，分析了玻璃废料中关键元素的溶解速率，揭示了在不同pH条件下的抗浸出能力。硼(B)、锂（Li）和铝（Al）的归一化质量损失始终低于玻璃规定的极限（-2），表明玻璃具有优异的耐用性。总之，这些发现突出了Li-Al-B玻璃作为固定化固体放射性废物的多功能宿主材料的潜在有效性，超出了其最初与锡渣的应用范围。通过强调这种基质的积极性质，研究强调了它在容纳各种固体废物基质方面的潜在灵活性。

本文章由计算机程序翻译，如有差异，请以英文原文为准。

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来源期刊

Applied Radiation and Isotopes 工程技术-核科学技术

CiteScore

3.00

自引率

12.50%

发文量

406

审稿时长

13.5 months

期刊介绍： Applied Radiation and Isotopes provides a high quality medium for the publication of substantial, original and scientific and technological papers on the development and peaceful application of nuclear, radiation and radionuclide techniques in chemistry, physics, biochemistry, biology, medicine, security, engineering and in the earth, planetary and environmental sciences, all including dosimetry. Nuclear techniques are defined in the broadest sense and both experimental and theoretical papers are welcome. They include the development and use of α- and β-particles, X-rays and γ-rays, neutrons and other nuclear particles and radiations from all sources, including radionuclides, synchrotron sources, cyclotrons and reactors and from the natural environment. The journal aims to publish papers with significance to an international audience, containing substantial novelty and scientific impact. The Editors reserve the rights to reject, with or without external review, papers that do not meet these criteria. Papers dealing with radiation processing, i.e., where radiation is used to bring about a biological, chemical or physical change in a material, should be directed to our sister journal Radiation Physics and Chemistry.