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Projects: Projects for Investigator
Reference Number EP/T013524/1
Title Safe, efficient cementation of challenging radioactive wastes using alkali activated materials with high-flowability and high-anion retention capacity
Status Completed
Energy Categories Nuclear Fission and Fusion(Nuclear Fission, Nuclear supporting technologies) 100%;
Research Types Basic and strategic applied research 75%;
Applied Research and Development 25%;
Science and Technology Fields PHYSICAL SCIENCES AND MATHEMATICS (Chemistry) 50%;
PHYSICAL SCIENCES AND MATHEMATICS (Metallurgy and Materials) 50%;
UKERC Cross Cutting Characterisation Not Cross-cutting 100%
Principal Investigator Professor J Provis
No email address given
Engineering Materials
University of Sheffield
Award Type Standard
Funding Source EPSRC
Start Date 01 November 2019
End Date 31 December 2022
Duration 38 months
Total Grant Value £253,538
Industrial Sectors Energy
Region Yorkshire & Humberside
Programme Energy : Energy
 
Investigators Principal Investigator Professor J Provis , Engineering Materials, University of Sheffield (99.999%)
  Other Investigator Dr H Kinoshita , Engineering Materials, University of Sheffield (0.001%)
  Industrial Collaborator Project Contact , Sellafield Ltd (0.000%)
Project Contact , ADVAN ENG. co. (0.000%)
Project Contact , Dummy Organisation (0.000%)
Web Site
Objectives
Abstract In this project, we will collaboratively develop, optimise and scale-up new high-performing geopolymer cements for use in the solidification of sludge wastes that have been generated in the Fukushima Daiichi cleanup and remediation process. These wastes contain a complicated and problematic combination of radioactive elements, and are currently stored in containers awaiting final treatment (conditioning). Before the wastes can be disposed, they must be converted to a solid form, but the conventional cement blends that would usually be used for this purpose require modification or improvement so that they can give appropriate performance in making the wastes safe. For this reason, we will develop, optimise, and scale-up a set of bespoke, innovative geopolymer-type cements, produced from aluminosilicate clays, to give excellent fluidity and mixing characteristics that will enable them to be fully effective in solidifying the sludges, and outstanding performance in the long-term to prevent the release of immobilised radioactive materials. We will determine key new fundamental scientific aspects that control the materials science and chemistry of geopolymer cements in combination with iron-rich sludges, which will bring new understanding of these materials that can also be transferred to benefit other uses of geopolymer cements in nuclear and non-nuclear applications. We will work in partnership with industry to demonstrate these materials, and the associated processes for their usage, at a scale that is large enough to validate the use of this new procedure directly in the Fukushima cleanup operations. In this way, we will use advanced materials science to benefit future generations
Publications (none)
Final Report (none)
Added to Database 03/11/21