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Characterization of Cement Microstructure for the Immobilization of Nuclear Waste Using Advanced Imaging Methods

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  28 March 2012

D.L. Engelberg ,
J.A. Duff ,
L. Murray ,
L. Dodds ,
N. Mobasher  and
P.J. Withers
D.L. Engelberg
Affiliation:
Research Centre for Radwaste & Decommissioning, School of Materials, University of Manchester, M13 9PL, Manchester, UK Nuclear FiRST CDT, University of Manchester & University of Sheffield, UK
J.A. Duff
Affiliation:
Research Centre for Radwaste & Decommissioning, School of Materials, University of Manchester, M13 9PL, Manchester, UK
L. Murray
Affiliation:
Nuclear FiRST CDT, University of Manchester & University of Sheffield, UK
L. Dodds
Affiliation:
Nuclear FiRST CDT, University of Manchester & University of Sheffield, UK
N. Mobasher
Affiliation:
Nuclear FiRST CDT, University of Manchester & University of Sheffield, UK
P.J. Withers
Affiliation:
Henry Moseley X-ray Imaging Facility (HMXIF), School of Materials, University of Manchester, M13 9PL, Manchester, UK
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Abstract

A range of advanced imaging techniques have been brought together to provide a comprehensive picture of cement microstructure for nuclear waste immobilization. Image analysis of Nirex Reference Vault Backfill (NRVB) has been used to characterize the Calcium-Silicate-Hydrate (C-S-H) matrix fraction. Through weight loss measurements and digital image correlation of OPC-based cement blends we have quantified the development of microstructure surface strains during the initial 48 hrs hardening period. The build-up of displacements on the microstructure scale indicated grain-like compressive areas, surrounded by a network of tensile regions. Serial sectioning of NRVB using ultra-microtome cutting has been explored for advanced high-resolution 3D microstructure characterization, while X-ray Computed Tomography (XCT) has been used to obtain information of the 3-D pore space and size distribution of air pores in NRVB non-destructively.

Type
Articles
Information
MRS Online Proceedings Library (OPL) , Volume 1475: Symposium NW – Scientific Basis for Nuclear Waste Management XXXV , 2012 , imrc11-1475-nw35-o31
Copyright
Copyright © Materials Research Society 2012

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References

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