Immobilization of simulated cesium wastes in ceramic matrices derived from some natural minerals

Nuclear waste, a result of nuclear energy production, is of great importance because it requires long-term and safe management solutions. The aim of this study is to immobilize radioactive waste in a ceramic matrix to prevent the spread of radioactive waste to the environment during storage in underground storage areas. Ceramic matrices with high chemical resistance, low leaching rate and low cost, which meet the basic expectations for the immobilization of Cs, one of the important fission products, were developed in a ceramic matrix consisting of natural minerals. For this purpose, natural analog minerals, zeolite and bentonite, were preferred as the main matrix in ceramics for the immobilization and permanent storage of cesium waste due to their adaptability to the geological formation of radioactive waste storages. How the phases are formed after the sintering process in waste immobilized ceramics and how cesium is incorporated into the structure of two different mineral types were investigated. The chemical durability of waste immobilized ceramics produced using chemically stable cesium salts was tested. Structural analyses of the prepared ceramics were also performed. Considering the results, it was determined that ceramic structures prepared using minerals are suitable for use in the immobilization of radioactive waste.