Radioactive waste from nuclear power plants. IV-Factors affecting the characteristics of simulating polymer waste products

The goal of this study, which is part of a coordinated research program that was arranged by the International Atomic Energy Agency, was aimed at evaluating final waste forms and packages. Four different types of polymer matrices were used to incorporate simulating borate waste originating from a primary cooling circuit in a pressurized water reactor. The factors affecting the properties of simulated polymer waste products that were studied included polymer waste ratios, the effect of accumulated radiation dose, water content added to loaded dry simulating borate waste, and the effect of given chemical components of polymer matrix. The results obtained show that, where leaching criteria of the final waste form was concerned, 50% of the immobilized dry simulating waste powder was a reasonable loading for all polymers under investigation. The data obtained also indicated decreases in the compressive strength values of the solidified forms with an increase in the water content of the immobilized simulating borate waste powder. (author) 6 figs., 10 tabs., 35 refs