Immobilization of simulated An4+ radioactively contaminated zeolite: Solidify mechanism and theory investigation

The radioactively contaminated zeolite poses a serious threat to human health and the ecological environment, so the safe disposal of radioactively contaminated zeolite is essential. The simulated contaminated zeolite was successfully immobilized without the use of additional agents. The mechanical properties, chemical durability, and microstructure of sintered samples were studied. The solid solubility limit of the sintered sample could reach 43 wt%. The maximum values of density and Vickers hardness are 3.34 g cm(-3) and 7.44 GPa. The NRCe under different pH (pH = 4, 7, 10) conditions were 1.56 x 10(-3) g m(-2) d(-1), 2.40 x 10(-5) g m(-2) d(-1) and 3.63 x 10(-4) g m(-2) d(-1) at 28d, respectively. The theoretical results showed that glass network structures were comprised of [AlO4] and [SiO4]. This work will provide basic data for the treatment of radioactively contaminated zeolite.

Automated summary

Radioactively contaminated zeolite poses a serious threat to human health and the environment, making safe disposal crucial. This study successfully immobilized simulated contaminated zeolite without the need for additional agents. The research examined the mechanical properties, chemical durability, and microstructure of sintered samples, providing important data for the treatment of radioactively contaminated zeolite.