Optimal ferro frit for leaching stability of radioactive metal oxide sludges-based solidified body
Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: In nuclear power plants, the corrosion of metallic components exposed to radioactive liquid waste and coolant can result in the formation of sludge. This study examined the optimization of ferro frit additives to enhance the leaching stability of solidified radioactive sludge. Specifically, simulated sludge, composed of Fe 2 O 3 , Cr 2 O 3 , NiO, and Co, was solidified using various additives—including ferro frit 3110, ferro frit 3195, and B 2 O 3 —and evaluated for leaching stability under ANSI/ANS 16.1 conditions. Among the four target elements, Fe, Ni, and Co consistently demonstrated excellent leaching resistance, while Cr required further immobilization. Co, a key nuclide in leaching resistance assessments for radioactive waste disposal, exhibited low leachate concentrations under all tested conditions. The addition of B 2 O 3 -rich frits substantially improved Cr leaching resistance by strengthening the glass network structure and suppressing ionic mobility. This improvement is attributed to B 2 O 3 's role in reducing non-bridging oxygen content and increasing network polymerization. As the Cr 2 O 3 and NiO content in the sludge increased, the sintering temperature required for stable solidification rose from 950 to 1050 °C. These findings demonstrate that producing chemically durable solidified radioactive sludge suitable for final disposal requires both thermal and compositional optimization, particularly through the incorporation of B 2 O 3 .
Authors: Ki Joon Kang, Sia Hwang, Hee Reyoung Kim
Language: English
Subfield: Materials Chemistry
Field: Materials Science
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $200
Awards: G3883416421, G5221031280
OpenAlex ID: W4413198056