Quantifying the effectiveness of fixative coatings in reducing airborne release fractions under impact stress

The decontamination and decommissioning (D&D) of nuclear facilities present significant challenges due to residual radioactive contamination, which threatens workers, the public, and the environment. Accurate airborne release fractions (ARFs) estimations are critical for safety assessments and regulatory compliance. However, the ARF values currently in DOE-HDBK-3010, are based on decades-old studies and do not account for modern contamination control technologies. Fixative coatings have emerged as a promising solution for stabilizing radioactive particles, preventing their resuspension, and minimizing airborne contamination risks. Despite their widespread use, no academic study to date has quantified a fixative's ability to reduce contamination release.

This study provides the first empirical data on ARF reductions for fixative-coated surfaces under mechanical impact stress. Controlled experimental methodologies comparing coated and uncoated surfaces show that fixative coatings reduce ARFs by two to three orders of magnitude, demonstrating their effectiveness in airborne contamination mitigation. These findings support incorporating a “fixative” designation into DOE-HDBK-3010 to refine regulatory risk assessments, optimize operational efficiency, and reduce unnecessary conservatism. Furthermore, this study contributes to the standardization of testing protocols through ASTM International, promoting broader adoption of fixative technologies in nuclear facility decommissioning. The results highlight fixatives’ potential to enhance safety and cost-effectiveness while ensuring regulatory compliance.