Immobilization of radioactive waste in mixture of cement, clay and polymer

Portland cement was mixed with kaolinite clay and epoxy polymer at different ratios to immobilize radioactive waste ions. The physical and mechanical properties of the mixtures in presence and in absence of some chemicals were investigated. Thermal analysis and infrared spectra of each mixture were also determined. The release of radioactive ions from cement, kaolinite clay, polymer mixture was studied. The presence of 7.5% kaolinite and 6% epoxy polymer increased the mechanical strength of cement mixed by 40% water, and decreased leachability of ions from mixture. Studies were also performed on a mixture of cement and 7.5% kaolinite cubes coated with a layer of epoxy polymer. Leachability of ions from these samples was decreased. A proposed container was designed to prevent release of ions from the immobilized matrix to the environment. (author)