Incorporation of spent ion exchange resin simulate into cement composites

Solidification/Stabilization (S/S) of spent radioactive ion exchange resins (IER) is one of many critical problems facing developing nuclear industries all over the world. Immobilization technology using Ordinary Portland Cement (OPC) as an inert matrix, has been widely applied for the solidification/stabilization of spent ion exchange resin. In this study incorporation of simulated IER into cement matrix and characterization of the final solid waste form (FWF) had been searched practically in laboratory scale experiments. Factors that can affect the properties of the FWF including the water/cement (w/c) ratios and the resin concentration were studied systematically. Mechanical integrities, thermal analysis, and mass loss during hardening and curing for 28 days were evaluated for FWF hard blocks. Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) and X-Ray Diffraction (X-RD) examinations were performed to investigate the internal architecture of the FWF. Moreover, the heat of cement hydration reactions was recorded during the IER solidification process. Based on the experimental results obtained, it is worth to state that according to its acceptable characteristics and advantages of cement as an inert matrix, it can be suggested safely for the immobilization of untreated spent radioactive ion exchange resins.