Project topic

The proposed project topic is: Domain 7: Materials, processes and innovative products; Research direction 7.1 Advanced Materials Research thematic 7.1.3. Environmentally friendly materials in processes related to the production and use.

Project description (abstract)

The selfcompacting grouts (SCG) for encapsulation/immobilization of LLW (Low Level Waste - LLW) or ILW (Intermediary Level Waste - ILW) and superheavy concretes with radionuclide diffusion barrier function and absorption/shielding of ionizing radiation ability are a new generation of advanced composite materials of high functional performance.

The key challenges of the project are related to obtaining cement matrix composites with functional performance as following:

• The SCG specific rheological characteristics - yield point effort low value associated with suitable yield strength, plastic viscosity and stability at segregation have a great contribution to the efficient LLW solidification / stabilization.
• The density of about 2,600 kg/m3 of concrete for radionuclide diffusion barrier.
• The chemical and physical stability, in long-term of the grout / concrete in the system of LLW encapsulation and radionuclides shielding.
The program of testing and investigation of composite materials is complex and complementary; it includes phase and mineralogical analyzes (complex thermal analysis, XRD, SEM and optical microscopy), the contaminants leaching properties testing and technical characteristics testing.

The selfcompacting grout:
• Is a innovative composite material with Pb content from lead primary slag and/or (cathode ray tube-CRT) glass waste, with role of filler/fine aggregate and of cement substitute by cemntitious/pozzolana character;
• Contributes to a long –term safe LLW management with a human health and  environmental significantly risk diminution due cumulative function of LLW encapsulating and hazardous radiations shielding  of the impermeable structure with lead content;
• Is a more sustainable solution by primary lead slag  and CRT glass waste recovery as secondary mineral resources, recycled as lead content aggregate and cement substitute;
• Shows the technical and economical efficiency on the target ratio of filling containers with embedded LLW waste of 70%, compared to the current 50%, maintaining the level of radioactivity allowed in contact with the container wall (more than 2 mSv / h).

The superheavy concrete:
• Is a innovative composite material with Ba content from barite mineral processing waste landfill, and with Pb content from lead primary slag;
• Is a radionuclide diffusion barrier applied to the enveloping and closing of LLW embedded system containers of LLW waste encapsulated in SCG. Diffusion barrier reduces the risk of diffusion of radionuclides in the environment where the encapsulation grouts cracking.
• Is applied in special construction as structure or closing elements at securing / consolidation of National Radioactive Waste Repository-DNDR, administered by Partner 2- IFIN HH, and for other special construction applications with shielding ionizing radiations capacity.
The innovative composite materials achieved in this project represents a new generation of functional performance of grout and concrete, required  for  special construction in the field of safe, long-term LLW waste management and ionizing radiation shielding, beneficial for health and the environment, in accordance with current EU requirements to increase nuclear and radiological safety.

The main objective of project

The main objective in disposing of radioactive waste is to protect people and the environment. The main technical objective of the project is the achieving of self compacting grouts for encapsulation / immobilization of radionuclides and of the superheavy concrete with ability of radionuclides diffusion barrier according to long–term safe disposal of low radioactivity level waste (LLW) and intermediary radioactivity level waste (ILW) waste purposes. The selfcompacting grouts (SCG) for encapsulation/immobilization of radioactive waste and superheavy concretes with radionuclide diffusion barrier function and absorption/shielding of ionizing radiation ability are a new generation of advanced composite materials of high functional performance.

The overall objectives of the project:

OG1. The achieving of innovative composite materials based on mineral secondary resources with the use in special building for long-term safe end radioactive waste disposal which is applying a radioactive waste management which ensuring radiological safety conditions for health and the environment protection, according to international norms.

OG2. Sustainable management of mineral resources by valorization of the mineral waste as secondary raw materials, consistent with obtaining of advanced composites for the immobilization of radioactive waste and required special design engineering performances.

OG3. The achieving of self compacting grouts for encapsulation / immobilization of radionuclides and of superheavy concrete as radionuclides diffusion barrier according to long –term safe disposal of LLW and ILW waste purposes.

OG4. The demonstration of functionality and utility of composites based of secondary raw materials, with use in special construction in the field of the safe storage of radioactive waste and of ionizing radiation protection.

OG5. The dissemination of project results through publication of scientific papers / participation in national and international conferences, university lectures, roundtables and promotional materials-newsletter.

OG6. Protecting intellectual property by patenting the results of the proposal