Hostname: page-component-586b7cd67f-2plfb Total loading time: 0 Render date: 2024-11-25T18:41:08.691Z Has data issue: false hasContentIssue false
  • English
  • Français

Development of pyrolytic monolithic carbon composites for the conditioning of spent ion exchange resins

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  28 March 2012

Pamela B. Ramos ,
Néstor O. Fuentes  and
Vittorio Luca
Pamela B. Ramos
Affiliation:
U. A. Materiales – GIDAT – GAEN - CNEA
Néstor O. Fuentes
Affiliation:
Programa Nacional de Gestión de Residuos Radiactivos, GASNyA - CNEA Instituto Sabato – UNSAM / CNEA Av. Gral. Paz 1499, B1650KNA – San Martín, Buenos Aires, Argentina.
Vittorio Luca
Affiliation:
Programa Nacional de Gestión de Residuos Radiactivos, GASNyA - CNEA
Get access

Abstract

The pyrolysis of ion exchange resin beads that are used for the purification of water in reactor primary- and secondary-cooling circuits can result in stable and leach resistant carbonaceous products. However, free flowing beads are less desirable waste forms for disposal in sub-surface or surface repositories than monolithic masses of low porosity. We have investigated the pyrolysis of polymeric resin – cation exchange resin composites to give mechanically robust and chemically durable monolithic carbonaceous waste forms that are suitable for repository disposition. Also investigated was the dependence of product properties on various processing parameters (temperature ramp and final temperature). As a first approach, epoxy resins were used for the preparation of monoliths since such resins cure at room temperature and result in a relatively high carbon yield. Carbonaceous monolithic products were prepared at 400, 500, 600, 700 and 800 °C using a temperature ramp of 2°C/min. The products were maintained at the chosen temperatures for a period of one hour. Mass losses, volume reduction, hardness and compressive strength were measured and mathematical functions are proposed to describe the measured values of these properties. The carbon monoliths were observed to be mechanically robust.

Type
Articles
Information
MRS Online Proceedings Library (OPL) , Volume 1475: Symposium NW – Scientific Basis for Nuclear Waste Management XXXV , 2012 , imrc11-1475-nw35-p41
Copyright
Copyright © Materials Research Society 2012

Access options

Get access to the full version of this content by using one of the access options below. (Log in options will check for institutional or personal access. Content may require purchase if you do not have access.)

References

REFERENCES

1. Roberson, K., Stevens, D. L. and Filter, H. E., “In-situ solidification of Ion Exchange Beads”. US Patent 4,585,583. (29 April 1986).Google Scholar
2. Gablin, K. A. and Hansen, L. J., “Radioactive Waste Disposal of Water-Containing Waste Using Urea-Formaldehyde Resin”. US Patent 4,010,108. (01 March 1977).Google Scholar
3. Griffith, C. S., Sebesta, F., Hanna, J. V., Yee, P., Drabarek, E., Smith, M. E. and Luca, V., Journal of Nuclear Materials 358 (2–3), 151–163 (2006).10.1016/j.jnucmat.2006.06.018Google Scholar
4. Thorogood, G. J., Kennedy, B. J., Luca, V., Blackford, M., van de Geest, S. K., Finnie, K. S., Hanna, J. V. and Pike, K. J., Journal of Physics and Chemistry of Solids 69 (7), 1632–1640 (2008).10.1016/j.jpcs.2007.12.008Google Scholar
5. Drabarek, E., McLeod, T. I., Hanna, J. V., Griffith, C. S., and Luca, V., Journal of Nuclear Materials 384 (2), 119–129 (2009).10.1016/j.jnucmat.2008.11.018Google Scholar
6. Griffith, C. S., Luca, V., Cochrane, J. and Hanna, J. V., Microporous and Mesoporous Materials 111 (1–3), 387–403 (2008).10.1016/j.micromeso.2007.08.028Google Scholar
7. Ramos, P. B. and Fuentes, N. O., “Image characterization of Carbon-Carbon ceramic materials through impregnation / pyrolysis process”. Proceedings VII CORENDE. Rosario, Santa Fe, Argentina. (11 – 13 November 2009).Google Scholar
8. Fuentes, N. O., “Image Characterization of Carbon Fibre Reinforced Composites”. Proceedings IV Pan American Conference NDT – PANNDT, Buenos Aires, Argentina. P097, 1–9 (22 – 26 October 2007).Google Scholar
9. Fuentes, N. O., Favret, E. A., Belinco, N. and Kokubu, G. A., “Modification of the adhesión properties of composite materials surfaces”, COMAT 2005. Third International Conference on Science and Technology of Composite Materials. Buenos Aires, Argentina. (11 – 14 December 2005).Google Scholar