Polymeric gel for surface decontamination of long-lived gamma and beta-emitting radionuclides

Synthesis and characterization of strippable polymeric-gel solution based on a water-soluble polymer (PVA), plasticizing agent (glycerol), and chelating agent (8-Hydroxyquinoline) for the surface decontamination from 137Cs and 60Co was carried out. Decontamination of glass and PVC surfaces was investigated in the present study, as a function of various chelating agents, gel-layer thickness, and radioactivity level. The decontamination efficiency was up to 95% for both radionuclides after 24 h of contact time with the contaminated surface. The obtained results suggest that the decontamination process of 137Cs and 60Co by polymer gel is possible combined by two mechanisms: chemically and physically.

Automated summary

In this study, a strippable polymeric-gel solution was synthesized and characterized for the decontamination of surfaces contaminated with 137Cs and 60Co. The gel solution was based on a water-soluble polymer (PVA), plasticizing agent (glycerol), and chelating agent (8-Hydroxyquinoline). Decontamination efficiency of up to 95% was achieved for both radionuclides on glass and PVC surfaces after 24 hours of contact time. The results suggest that the decontamination process involves both chemical and physical mechanisms.