1
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Mahrous SS, Mansy MS. Experimental study for the decontamination of various surfaces from 99Mo using PVA/Borax/Al(OH) 3 strippable hydrogel. Appl Radiat Isot 2024; 213:111493. [PMID: 39226627 DOI: 10.1016/j.apradiso.2024.111493] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2024] [Revised: 08/10/2024] [Accepted: 08/29/2024] [Indexed: 09/05/2024]
Abstract
Polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) is a beneficial polymer capable of forming hydrogels helpful in a wide range of applications. Hydrogels based on cross-linking of PVA with borax, and able to incorporate with a decontaminating agent have been used in the decontamination of 99Mo from contaminated surfaces. Aluminum hydroxide has been introduced in the formulations of PVA-borax, to increase the gel efficiency for 99Mo decontamination from surfaces. The formulations were investigated with glass, stainless steel, and wood as examples of different surfaces. When the hydrogel is sprayed on different surfaces, it forms rapidly and adheres well. Moreover, the hydrogel was shown to efficiently decontaminate surfaces contaminated with 99Mo by a maximum value of decontamination factor (D.F) for glass, stainless steel, and wood to be 43.5, 31.3, and 19.6 respectively.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara S Mahrous
- Environmental Radioactive Pollution Department, Hot Labs, and Waste Management Centre, Egyptian Atomic Energy Authority, Cairo, Egypt.
| | - Muhammad S Mansy
- Analytical Chemistry and Control Department, Hot Labs and Waste Management Centre, Egyptian Atomic Energy Authority, Cairo, Egypt; Radioactive Waste Management Unit, Hot Labs and Waste Management Centre, Egyptian Atomic Energy Authority, Cairo, Egypt
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2
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Pan X, Lin X, Zhang H, Liang L, Pang C, Gu K, Hu Y, Xi H. Rheological and radioactive decontamination properties of ethyl cellulose sols in green solvents at a temperature below 0 °C. RSC Adv 2024; 14:3659-3666. [PMID: 38268552 PMCID: PMC10805129 DOI: 10.1039/d3ra06641j] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2023] [Accepted: 01/09/2024] [Indexed: 01/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Strippable film decontamination has been considered one of the best prospects for radioactive surface decontamination due to its high decontamination effect and less secondary pollution. However, research into strippable films has until now focused on radioactive decontamination at room temperature. Therefore, it is vital to seek a suitable degradable material for preparing strippable films in removing contaminants in an extremely cold region, as it will face the problem of the freezing of the detergent. Ethyl cellulose (EC) is a kind of degradable biopolymer which is easily dissolved in volatile green organic solvents to form a sol below 0 °C which is advantageous for forming a film. Therefore, it would be the best choice for preparing a strippable film detergent. In this study, EC sols were obtained by placing EC powder into the green solvents anhydrous ethanol and ethyl acetate. The steady and dynamic rheological behavior of EC sols was investigated with a rotary rheometer with the temperature ranging from -10 °C to 0 °C to disclose their spraying performance. Moreover, the radioactive decontamination effect of EC sols and the mechanism were also investigated. The results showed that the EC sols were pseudoplastic fluids which obeyed the Ostwald-de Waele power law below 0 °C. Furthermore, the viscosity of EC sols could be reduced by stirring, which is convenient for large-area spraying during decontamination below 0 °C. At -10 °C, the comprehensive decontamination rates of all plates were over 85%. Therefore, EC sols could be used as a basic material for strippable film decontamination below 0 °C.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xunhai Pan
- School of Materials and Chemistry, Southwest University of Science and Technology 621010 Mianyang Sichuan China
- School of Bioengineering, Sichuan University of Science and Engineering 644005 Yibin Sichuan China
| | - Xiaoyan Lin
- School of Materials and Chemistry, Southwest University of Science and Technology 621010 Mianyang Sichuan China
- Engineering Research Center of Biomass Materials, Ministry of Education, Southwest University of Science and Technology 621010 Mianyang Sichuan China
| | - Hao Zhang
- School of Materials and Chemistry, Southwest University of Science and Technology 621010 Mianyang Sichuan China
| | - Lili Liang
- School of Materials and Chemistry, Southwest University of Science and Technology 621010 Mianyang Sichuan China
| | - Chunxia Pang
- School of Materials and Chemistry, Southwest University of Science and Technology 621010 Mianyang Sichuan China
- School of Bioengineering, Sichuan University of Science and Engineering 644005 Yibin Sichuan China
| | - Kai Gu
- School of Materials and Chemistry, Southwest University of Science and Technology 621010 Mianyang Sichuan China
| | - Yang Hu
- School of Materials and Chemistry, Southwest University of Science and Technology 621010 Mianyang Sichuan China
| | - Hailing Xi
- State Key Laboratory of NBC Protection for Civilian 102205 Beijing China
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3
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Toader G, Diacon A, Rusen E, Mangalagiu II, Alexandru M, Zorilă FL, Mocanu A, Boldeiu A, Gavrilă AM, Trică B, Pulpea D, Necolau MI, Istrate M. Peelable Alginate Films Reinforced by Carbon Nanofibers Decorated with Antimicrobial Nanoparticles for Immediate Biological Decontamination of Surfaces. NANOMATERIALS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2023; 13:2775. [PMID: 37887926 PMCID: PMC10609245 DOI: 10.3390/nano13202775] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2023] [Revised: 10/13/2023] [Accepted: 10/13/2023] [Indexed: 10/28/2023]
Abstract
This study presents the synthesis and characterization of alginate-based nanocomposite peelable films, reinforced by carbon nanofibers (CNFs) decorated with nanoparticles that possess remarkable antimicrobial properties. These materials are suitable for immediate decontamination applications, being designed as fluid formulations that can be applied on contaminated surfaces, and subsequently, they can rapidly form a peelable film via divalent ion crosslinking and can be easily peeled and disposed of. Silver, copper, and zinc oxide nanoparticles (NPs) were synthesized using superficial oxidized carbon nanofibers (CNF-ox) as support. To obtain the decontaminating formulations, sodium alginate (ALG) was further incorporated into the colloidal solutions containing the antimicrobial nanoparticles. The properties of the initial CNF-ox-NP-ALG solutions and the resulting peelable nanocomposite hydrogels (obtained by crosslinking with zinc acetate) were assessed by rheological measurements, and mechanical investigations, respectively. The evaluation of Minimal Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) and Minimal Bactericidal Concentration (MBC) for the synthesized nanoparticles (silver, copper, and zinc oxide) was performed. The best values for MIC and MBC were obtained for CNF-ox decorated with AgNPs for both types of bacterial strains: Gram-negative (MIC and MBC values (mg/L): E. coli-3 and 108; P. aeruginosa-3 and 54) and Gram-positive (MIC and MBC values (mg/L): S. aureus-13 and 27). The film-forming decontaminating formulations were also subjected to a microbiology assay consisting of the time-kill test, MIC and MBC estimations, and evaluation of the efficacity of peelable coatings in removing the biological agents from the contaminated surfaces. The best decontamination efficiencies against Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa varied between 97.40% and 99.95% when employing silver-decorated CNF-ox in the decontaminating formulations. These results reveal an enhanced antimicrobial activity brought about by the synergistic effect of silver and CNF-ox, coupled with an efficient incorporation of the contaminants inside the peelable films.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriela Toader
- Military Technical Academy “Ferdinand I”, 39-49 G. Cosbuc Blvd., 050141 Bucharest, Romania; (G.T.); (A.D.); (D.P.)
| | - Aurel Diacon
- Military Technical Academy “Ferdinand I”, 39-49 G. Cosbuc Blvd., 050141 Bucharest, Romania; (G.T.); (A.D.); (D.P.)
- Faculty of Chemical Engineering and Biotechnologies, University Politehnica of Bucharest, 1-7 Gh. Polizu Street, 011061 Bucharest, Romania; (A.M.); (M.I.N.)
| | - Edina Rusen
- Faculty of Chemical Engineering and Biotechnologies, University Politehnica of Bucharest, 1-7 Gh. Polizu Street, 011061 Bucharest, Romania; (A.M.); (M.I.N.)
| | - Ionel I. Mangalagiu
- Faculty of Chemistry, Alexandru Ioan Cuza University of Iasi, 11 Carol 1st Blvd., 700506 Iasi, Romania
| | - Mioara Alexandru
- Microbiology Laboratory, Horia Hulubei National Institute for R&D in Physics and Nuclear Engineering, 30 Reactorului St., 077125 Bucharest, Romania; (M.A.); (F.L.Z.)
| | - Florina Lucica Zorilă
- Microbiology Laboratory, Horia Hulubei National Institute for R&D in Physics and Nuclear Engineering, 30 Reactorului St., 077125 Bucharest, Romania; (M.A.); (F.L.Z.)
- Department of Genetics, Faculty of Biology, University of Bucharest, 91-95 Splaiul Indepententei, 050095 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Alexandra Mocanu
- Faculty of Chemical Engineering and Biotechnologies, University Politehnica of Bucharest, 1-7 Gh. Polizu Street, 011061 Bucharest, Romania; (A.M.); (M.I.N.)
- National Institute for Research and Development in Microtechnologies—IMT Bucharest, 126A Erou Iancu Nicolae Street, 077190 Bucharest, Romania;
| | - Adina Boldeiu
- National Institute for Research and Development in Microtechnologies—IMT Bucharest, 126A Erou Iancu Nicolae Street, 077190 Bucharest, Romania;
| | - Ana Mihaela Gavrilă
- National Institute of Research and Development for Chemistry and Petrochemistry, 202 Splaiul Independentei, 060041 Bucharest, Romania; (A.M.G.); (B.T.)
| | - Bogdan Trică
- National Institute of Research and Development for Chemistry and Petrochemistry, 202 Splaiul Independentei, 060041 Bucharest, Romania; (A.M.G.); (B.T.)
| | - Daniela Pulpea
- Military Technical Academy “Ferdinand I”, 39-49 G. Cosbuc Blvd., 050141 Bucharest, Romania; (G.T.); (A.D.); (D.P.)
| | - Mădălina Ioana Necolau
- Faculty of Chemical Engineering and Biotechnologies, University Politehnica of Bucharest, 1-7 Gh. Polizu Street, 011061 Bucharest, Romania; (A.M.); (M.I.N.)
- Advanced Polymer Materials Group, University Politehnica of Bucharest, 1-7 Polizu Street, 011061 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Marcel Istrate
- S.C. Stimpex S.A., 46-48 Nicolae Teclu Street, 032368 Bucharest, Romania;
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Chaudhuri K, Medhi R, Zhang Z, Cai Z, Ober CK, Pham JT. Visualizing Penetration of Fluorescent Dye through Polymer Coatings. Macromol Rapid Commun 2023; 44:e2300304. [PMID: 37585219 DOI: 10.1002/marc.202300304] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2023] [Indexed: 08/17/2023]
Abstract
Understanding how small molecules penetrate and contaminate polymer films is of vital importance for developing protective coatings for a wide range of applications. To this end, rhodamine B fluorescent dye is visualized diffusing through polystyrene-polydimethylsiloxane block copolymer (BCP) coatings using confocal microscopy. The intensity of dye inside the coatings grows and decays non-monotonically, which is likely due to a combination of dye molecule transport occurring concurrently in different directions. An empirical fitting equation allows for comparing the contamination rates between copolymers, demonstrating that dye penetration is related to the chemical makeup and configuration of the BCPs. This work shows that confocal microscopy can be a useful tool to visualize the transport of a fluorophore in space and time through a coating.
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Affiliation(s)
- Krishnaroop Chaudhuri
- Department of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH, 45221, USA
| | - Riddhiman Medhi
- Chemistry Department, University of Scranton, Scranton, PA, 18510, USA
| | - Zhenglin Zhang
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, 14853, USA
| | - Zhuoyun Cai
- Department of Chemical and Materials Engineering, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, 40506, USA
| | - Christopher K Ober
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, 14853, USA
| | - Jonathan T Pham
- Department of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH, 45221, USA
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5
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Zhang H, Liang L, Xi H, Lin X, Li Z, Jiao Y. Effects of Different Types of Stabilizers on the Properties of Foam Detergent Used for Radioactive Surface Contamination. Molecules 2023; 28:6107. [PMID: 37630358 PMCID: PMC10458476 DOI: 10.3390/molecules28166107] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2023] [Revised: 08/11/2023] [Accepted: 08/15/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Compared with high-pressure water and reagent washing decontamination, foam decontamination has a promising application due to its ability to significantly reduce the volume of radioactive waste liquids and effectively decontaminate the inner surface of the pipes, the interior of the large cavities, and the vertical walls. However, the foam is less stable, leading to a low decontamination rate. Currently, three main types of stabilizers with different stabilizing mechanisms, namely nanoparticles, polymers, and cosurfactants, are used to improve foam stability and thus increase the decontamination rate. Nanosilica (NS), xanthan gum (XG), and n-tetradecanol (TD) were used as typical representatives of nanoparticles, polymers, and cosurfactants, respectively, to improve the stability of the foam detergent with pH < 2 and chelating agents. The differences in the effects of these three types of stabilizers on foam properties were investigated. Although NS, XG, and TD all increase the half-life of the foam from 7.2 min to about 40 min, the concentration of TD is much lower than that of NS and XG in the foaming solution, and TD foaming solution has the highest foaming ratio. Moreover, TD can markedly lower the surface tension, resulting in a significant reduction of the wetting contact angle on the surfaces of glass, ceramic tile, stainless steel, and paint, while NS and XG cannot signally change the surface tension and have no obvious effect on the wetting contact angle. At low shear rates, TD can increase the apparent viscosity of foam by two orders of magnitude, and the wall-hanging time of the foam on the vertical wall is more than 30 min. In contrast, NS and XG cause a limited increase in the apparent viscosity of the foam, and the wall-hanging times are both less than 5 min. In addition, TD foaming solution has excellent storage stability, and the storage time has no obvious effect on the performance of the foam. And after only three days of storage, NS undergoes severe agglomeration and precipitation in the foaming solution, resulting in a complete loss of the stabilizing effect. After 90 days of storage, the half-life of XG foam decreases by 26%. For simulated radioactive uranium contamination on both horizontal and vertical surfaces, TD can significantly improve the decontamination rate, especially for vertical surfaces, where TD can increase the single decontamination rate by more than 50%.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hao Zhang
- School of Science, Xichang University, Xichang 615013, China; (H.Z.); (Y.J.)
- Engineering Research Center of Biomass Materials, Ministry of Education, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Southwest University of Science and Technology, Mianyang 621010, China;
| | - Lili Liang
- Engineering Research Center of Biomass Materials, Ministry of Education, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Southwest University of Science and Technology, Mianyang 621010, China;
| | - Hailing Xi
- State Key Laboratory of NBC Protection for Civilian, Beijing 102205, China;
| | - Xiaoyan Lin
- Engineering Research Center of Biomass Materials, Ministry of Education, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Southwest University of Science and Technology, Mianyang 621010, China;
| | - Zhanguo Li
- State Key Laboratory of NBC Protection for Civilian, Beijing 102205, China;
| | - Yu Jiao
- School of Science, Xichang University, Xichang 615013, China; (H.Z.); (Y.J.)
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6
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Mahrous SS, Borai EH, Mansy MS. Polymeric gel for surface decontamination of long-lived gamma and beta-emitting radionuclides. Appl Radiat Isot 2023; 197:110834. [PMID: 37130468 DOI: 10.1016/j.apradiso.2023.110834] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2023] [Revised: 04/21/2023] [Accepted: 04/26/2023] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
Synthesis and characterization of strippable polymeric-gel solution based on a water-soluble polymer (PVA), plasticizing agent (glycerol), and chelating agent (8-Hydroxyquinoline) for the surface decontamination from 137Cs and 60Co was carried out. Decontamination of glass and PVC surfaces was investigated in the present study, as a function of various chelating agents, gel-layer thickness, and radioactivity level. The decontamination efficiency was up to 95% for both radionuclides after 24 h of contact time with the contaminated surface. The obtained results suggest that the decontamination process of 137Cs and 60Co by polymer gel is possible combined by two mechanisms: chemically and physically.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara S Mahrous
- Environmental Radioactive Pollution Department, Hot Labs, and Waste Management Centre, Egyptian Atomic Energy Authority, Cairo, Egypt.
| | - Emad H Borai
- Analytical Chemistry and Control Department, Hot Labs and Waste Management Centre, Egyptian Atomic Energy Authority, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Muhammad S Mansy
- Analytical Chemistry and Control Department, Hot Labs and Waste Management Centre, Egyptian Atomic Energy Authority, Cairo, Egypt; Radioactive Waste Management Unit, Hot Labs and Waste Management Centre, Egyptian Atomic Energy Authority, Cairo, Egypt
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Xu X, Pan X, Li J, Li Z, Xie Y, Lin X. Radioactive decontamination in low-temperature environments by using a novel high-strength strippable coating. CHEMOSPHERE 2022; 308:136187. [PMID: 36041525 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2022.136187] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2022] [Revised: 08/03/2022] [Accepted: 08/21/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Accidents involving nuclear leakage and radioactive source diffusion will result in a substantial amount of radioactive pollution, posing a threat to the world's environment as well as human safety. To get rid of the pollution, this work describes a new type of strippable detergent coating designed to remove radioactive contamination, especially in low-temperature conditions. In situ polymerization was employed to make EC/PUA/PVAc detergent from degradable ethyl cellulose (EC), tea polyphenols (TP), and polyvinyl acetate (PVAc), and polytetramethylene ether glycol bis-para-aminobenzoate (P1000). The film-forming performance, decontamination efficiency, and mechanical properties of the decontamination coating formed by the detergent were studied. Designed to work in a low-temperature environment, the detergent can be sprayed and peeled to remove surface radioactive staining. A universal material testing machine was used to assess the low-temperature rheometry, SEM, EDX, FT-IR, and other variables and to characterize the decontamination coating and the decontamination mechanism of the detergent. At -10-10 °C, the EC/PUA/PVAc detergent has good fluidity and sprayability and forms a strippable coating. The tensile strength of the decontamination coating can be as high as 26.4 MPa, and its 180° peel strength on ceramic tile, glass, stainless steel, cement, marble are 0.49 ± 0.08 N/m, 1.82 ± 0.41 N/m, 3.03 ± 1.65 N/m, 35.60 ± 1.17 N/m, 44.43 ± 4.10 N/m, respectively. The decontamination factors ranged from 3.32 to 10.02, with a decontamination rate above 85%.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinrui Xu
- School of Materials and Chemistry, Southwest University of Science and Technology, Mianyang, 621010, China; State Key Laboratory of NBC Protection for Civilian, Beijing, 102205, China; Engineering Research Center of Biomass Materials, Ministry of Education, Mianyang, 621010, China
| | - Xunhai Pan
- School of Materials and Chemistry, Southwest University of Science and Technology, Mianyang, 621010, China; State Key Laboratory of NBC Protection for Civilian, Beijing, 102205, China; Engineering Research Center of Biomass Materials, Ministry of Education, Mianyang, 621010, China
| | - Jian Li
- State Key Laboratory of NBC Protection for Civilian, Beijing, 102205, China
| | - Zhanguo Li
- State Key Laboratory of NBC Protection for Civilian, Beijing, 102205, China
| | - Yu Xie
- School of Materials and Chemistry, Southwest University of Science and Technology, Mianyang, 621010, China; State Key Laboratory of NBC Protection for Civilian, Beijing, 102205, China; Engineering Research Center of Biomass Materials, Ministry of Education, Mianyang, 621010, China
| | - Xiaoyan Lin
- School of Materials and Chemistry, Southwest University of Science and Technology, Mianyang, 621010, China; Engineering Research Center of Biomass Materials, Ministry of Education, Mianyang, 621010, China.
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Rotariu T, Pulpea D, Toader G, Rusen E, Diacon A, Neculae V, Liggat J. Peelable Nanocomposite Coatings: "Eco-Friendly" Tools for the Safe Removal of Radiopharmaceutical Spills or Accidental Contamination of Surfaces in General-Purpose Radioisotope Laboratories. Pharmaceutics 2022; 14:2360. [PMID: 36365178 PMCID: PMC9695050 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics14112360] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2022] [Revised: 10/27/2022] [Accepted: 10/28/2022] [Indexed: 07/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Radioactive materials are potentially harmful due to the radiation emitted by radionuclides and the risk of radioactive contamination. Despite strict compliance with safety protocols, contamination with radioactive materials is still possible. This paper describes innovative and inexpensive formulations that can be employed as 'eco-friendly' tools for the safe decontamination of radiopharmaceuticals spills or other accidental radioactive contamination of the surfaces arising from general-purpose radioisotope handling facilities (radiopharmaceutical laboratories, hospitals, research laboratories, etc.). These new peelable nanocomposite coatings are obtained from water-based, non-toxic, polymeric blends containing readily biodegradable components, which do not damage the substrate on which they are applied while also displaying efficient binding and removal of the contaminants from the targeted surfaces. The properties of the film-forming decontamination solutions were assessed using rheological measurements and evaporation rate tests, while the resulting strippable coatings were subjected to Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), and tensile tests. Radionuclide decontamination tests were performed on various types of surfaces encountered in radioisotope workspaces (concrete, painted metal, ceramic tiles, linoleum, epoxy resin cover). Thus, it was shown that they possess remarkable properties (thermal and mechanical resistance which permits facile removal through peeling) and that their capacity to entrap and remove beta and alpha particle emitters depends on the constituents of the decontaminating formulation, but more importantly, on the type of surface tested. Except for the cement surface (which was particularly porous), at which the decontamination level ranged between approximately 44% and 89%, for all the other investigated surfaces, a decontamination efficiency ranging from 80.6% to 96.5% was achieved.
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Affiliation(s)
- Traian Rotariu
- Military Technical Academy “Ferdinand I”, 39–49 George Cosbuc Boulevard, 050141 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Daniela Pulpea
- Military Technical Academy “Ferdinand I”, 39–49 George Cosbuc Boulevard, 050141 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Gabriela Toader
- Military Technical Academy “Ferdinand I”, 39–49 George Cosbuc Boulevard, 050141 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Edina Rusen
- Faculty of Chemical Engineering and Biotechnologies, University ‘POLITEHNICA’ of Bucharest, 1–7 Gh. Polizu Street, 011061 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Aurel Diacon
- Military Technical Academy “Ferdinand I”, 39–49 George Cosbuc Boulevard, 050141 Bucharest, Romania
- Faculty of Chemical Engineering and Biotechnologies, University ‘POLITEHNICA’ of Bucharest, 1–7 Gh. Polizu Street, 011061 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Valentina Neculae
- Institute for Nuclear Research—RATEN ICN-Pitesti, 1 Street Campului, 115400 Mioveni, Romania
| | - John Liggat
- Department of Pure and Applied Chemistry, University of Strathclyde, 295 Cathedral Street, Glasgow G1 1BX, UK
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9
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Wang Q, Wang F, Cai C, Chen H, Ji F, Wen T, Liao D. Laser decontamination for radioactive contaminated metal surface: A review. NUCLEAR ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.net.2022.09.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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10
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Gossard A, Lilin A, Faure S. Gels, coatings and foams for radioactive surface decontamination: State of the art and challenges for the nuclear industry. PROGRESS IN NUCLEAR ENERGY 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.pnucene.2022.104255] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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11
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Bhadouria VS, Ray D, Akhtar MJ, Munshi P. An approach towards enhancing the role of microwave heating in low-level radioactive waste management. PROGRESS IN NUCLEAR ENERGY 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.pnucene.2022.104180] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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12
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Pan X, Lin X, Xu X, Li J, Xi H. The synthesis, characterization and decontamination of surface radioactive contamination of ethyl cellulose/polyacrylate strippable detergent at low temperature. Colloids Surf A Physicochem Eng Asp 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.colsurfa.2022.128463] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
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13
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Xue Y, Yang W, Yue R, Chen Y. Aqueous Strippable Polymer Coating for Highly Efficient Primary Radioactive Uranium Decontamination with Versatility on Diversified Surface. Polymers (Basel) 2022; 14:polym14091656. [PMID: 35566826 PMCID: PMC9100341 DOI: 10.3390/polym14091656] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2022] [Revised: 04/11/2022] [Accepted: 04/12/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The decontamination of radioactive materials on the surfaces of nuclear facilities has generated large quantities of waste from the rapid development of the nuclear industry, posing a potential threat globally. Strippable coating has been employed for some time to remove radioactive contamination due to its high performance and removability, flexibility, and compatibility with various substrates. Herein, an aqueous strippable coating based on an adsorbent/polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) polymer was developed to remove radioactive uranium from stainless-steel surfaces that showed greater decontamination than that of DeconGel, with an efficiency of 87.2% for 5 g/L uranium and 95.5% for 22.5 g/L uranium, along with a high repeatability and better mechanical properties. Furthermore, the prepared coating was versatile and could be applied to a range of substrate surfaces (lacquered, aluminum, glass, plastic, and ceramic), with outstanding performance ranging from 79.2 to 95.4% for 1 g/L uranium. The prepared coating could also be applied through brushing or spraying to horizontal or vertical substrates. The exceptional performance could be due to the synergistic effect of the introduction of ethylene diamine tetra-acetic acid disodium salt (EDTA-2Na) as a chelating agent and the nano-adsorbent CaCO3/TiO2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yang Xue
- State Key Laboratory of Multi-Phase Complex Systems, Institute of Process Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, China; (Y.X.); (W.Y.); (R.Y.)
| | - Wuxinchen Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Multi-Phase Complex Systems, Institute of Process Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, China; (Y.X.); (W.Y.); (R.Y.)
- Center of Materials Science and Optoelectronics Engineering, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Renliang Yue
- State Key Laboratory of Multi-Phase Complex Systems, Institute of Process Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, China; (Y.X.); (W.Y.); (R.Y.)
| | - Yunfa Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Multi-Phase Complex Systems, Institute of Process Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, China; (Y.X.); (W.Y.); (R.Y.)
- Center of Materials Science and Optoelectronics Engineering, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
- Center for Excellence in Regional Atmospheric Environment, Institute of Urban Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xiamen 361021, China
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +86-10-8254-4894; Fax: +86-10-8254-4919
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14
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A State-of-the-Art Review of Radioactive Decontamination Technologies: Facing the Upcoming Wave of Decommissioning and Dismantling of Nuclear Facilities. SUSTAINABILITY 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/su14074021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
The average share of nuclear energy in electricity production is expected to increase under the background of the global pursuit towards carbon neutrality. Conjugating with its rapid development, the wave of decommissioning and dismantling (D&D) of nuclear facilities is coming. The surface decontamination is a prerequisite to D&D, which will make it easier and reduce the volume of radioactive wastes. However, there are no comprehensive studies on the decontamination methods, which is not helpful for the sustainable development of nuclear energy and environment protection. Therefore, in this work, the current status and future trends of global energy and nuclear energy are first analyzed. Then, various decontamination approaches are comparatively studied, including cleaning mechanisms, application subjects, and intrinsic advantages and disadvantages. Finally, the criteria and factors for selecting a decontamination process, the challenges, and future studies are directed. Among the mechanical methods, laser-based cleaning is high-speed, having automation ability, and thus is promising, although it creates a dust and airborne contaminant hazard. In further studies, factors such as selecting a proper laser facility, optimizing operating parameters, and designing a high-efficiency dust collection system could be studied. Regarding the chemical method, chemical gels are good for decontaminating complex shapes and vertical and overhead surfaces. In addition, they can enhance other decon agents’ efficiency by improving contact time. However, the formulation of colloidal gels is complex and no gel type is useful for all contaminants. Therefore, novel and versatile gels need be developed to enlarge their application field. Combining various decontamination methods will often have better results and thus a reasonable and effective combination of these decontamination methods has become the main direction.
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15
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A Sprayable and Visible Light Rapid-Cured Strippable Film for Surface Radioactive Decontamination. Polymers (Basel) 2022; 14:polym14051008. [PMID: 35267831 PMCID: PMC8912779 DOI: 10.3390/polym14051008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2022] [Revised: 02/28/2022] [Accepted: 02/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Strippable film is effective for removing radioactive contamination. However, it still has some limitations, such as the long curing time (about 30 min~24 h) and the requirement of organic solvents. To address these issues, we report a simple protocol to prepare strippable decontamination films using liquid polybutadiene (LPB) and tert-butyl acrylate (TBA) as the raw materials without solvent and using camphorquinone/ethyl 4-dimethylaminobenzoate (CQ/EDB) as a photoinitiator, where the film was formed under household LED panel light or daylight irradiation for about 540 s. After a thorough study of viscosity, real-time Fourier transform infrared (RT-FTIR spectra), gel and volatile organic compound (VOC) contents, mechanical properties and decontamination efficiency, the optimum composition and curing conditions were determined for the decontamination strippable film. VOC content is as low as 12.7 ± 0.7% and the resultant strippable film exhibits good mechanical performances with a tensile strength of up to 5.4 ± 0.4 MPa and elongation of up to 66.6 ± 13%. Most important, the decontamination efficiencies of this strippable film for 133CsCl on glass, ceramic and metal surfaces reach up to 98.1%, 94.3% and 97.6%, respectively.
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Pujol Pozo AA, Monroy-Guzmán F, Gómora- Herrera DR, Navarrete-Bolaños J, Bustos Bustos E. Radioactive decontamination of metal surfaces using peelable films made from chitosan gels and chitosan/magnetite nanoparticle composites. PROGRESS IN NUCLEAR ENERGY 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.pnucene.2021.104088] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
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17
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Toader G, Pulpea D, Rotariu T, Diacon A, Rusen E, Moldovan A, Podaru A, Ginghină R, Alexe F, Iorga O, Bajenaru SA, Ungureanu M, Dîrloman F, Pulpea B, Leonat L. Strippable Polymeric Nanocomposites Comprising "Green" Chelates, for the Removal of Heavy Metals and Radionuclides. Polymers (Basel) 2021; 13:4194. [PMID: 34883697 PMCID: PMC8659526 DOI: 10.3390/polym13234194] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2021] [Revised: 11/23/2021] [Accepted: 11/26/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The issue of heavy metal and radionuclide contamination is still causing a great deal of concern worldwide for environmental protection and industrial sites remediation. Various techniques have been developed for surface decontamination aiming for high decontamination factors (DF) and minimal environmental impact, but strippable polymeric nanocomposite coatings are some of the best candidates in this area. In this study, novel strippable coatings for heavy metal and radionuclides decontamination were developed based on the film-forming ability of polyvinyl alcohol, with the remarkable metal retention capacity of bentonite nanoclay, together with the chelating ability of sodium alginate and with "new-generation" "green" complexing agents: iminodisuccinic acid (IDS) and 2-phosphonobutane-1,2,4-tricarboxylic acid (PBTC). These environmentally friendly water-based decontamination solutions are capable of generating strippable polymeric films with optimized mechanical and thermal properties while exhibiting high decontamination efficiency (DF ≈ 95-98% for heavy metals tested on glass surface and DF ≈ 91-97% for radionuclides 241Am, 90Sr-Y and 137Cs on metal, painted metal, plastic, and glass surfaces).
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriela Toader
- Military Technical Academy “Ferdinand I”, 39–49 George Coșbuc Boulevard, 050141 Bucharest, Romania; (G.T.); (D.P.); (A.M.); (A.P.); (M.U.); (F.D.); (B.P.)
| | - Daniela Pulpea
- Military Technical Academy “Ferdinand I”, 39–49 George Coșbuc Boulevard, 050141 Bucharest, Romania; (G.T.); (D.P.); (A.M.); (A.P.); (M.U.); (F.D.); (B.P.)
| | - Traian Rotariu
- Military Technical Academy “Ferdinand I”, 39–49 George Coșbuc Boulevard, 050141 Bucharest, Romania; (G.T.); (D.P.); (A.M.); (A.P.); (M.U.); (F.D.); (B.P.)
| | - Aurel Diacon
- Faculty of Applied Chemistry and Materials Science, University ‘Politehnica’ of Bucharest, 1–7 Gh. Polizu Street, 011061 Bucharest, Romania;
| | - Edina Rusen
- Faculty of Applied Chemistry and Materials Science, University ‘Politehnica’ of Bucharest, 1–7 Gh. Polizu Street, 011061 Bucharest, Romania;
| | - Andreea Moldovan
- Military Technical Academy “Ferdinand I”, 39–49 George Coșbuc Boulevard, 050141 Bucharest, Romania; (G.T.); (D.P.); (A.M.); (A.P.); (M.U.); (F.D.); (B.P.)
| | - Alice Podaru
- Military Technical Academy “Ferdinand I”, 39–49 George Coșbuc Boulevard, 050141 Bucharest, Romania; (G.T.); (D.P.); (A.M.); (A.P.); (M.U.); (F.D.); (B.P.)
| | - Raluca Ginghină
- Research and Innovation Center for CBRN Defense and Ecology, 225 Soseaua Oltenitei, 041327 Bucharest, Romania; (R.G.); (F.A.); (O.I.); (S.A.B.)
| | - Florentina Alexe
- Research and Innovation Center for CBRN Defense and Ecology, 225 Soseaua Oltenitei, 041327 Bucharest, Romania; (R.G.); (F.A.); (O.I.); (S.A.B.)
| | - Ovidiu Iorga
- Research and Innovation Center for CBRN Defense and Ecology, 225 Soseaua Oltenitei, 041327 Bucharest, Romania; (R.G.); (F.A.); (O.I.); (S.A.B.)
| | - Sorina Aurora Bajenaru
- Research and Innovation Center for CBRN Defense and Ecology, 225 Soseaua Oltenitei, 041327 Bucharest, Romania; (R.G.); (F.A.); (O.I.); (S.A.B.)
| | - Mihai Ungureanu
- Military Technical Academy “Ferdinand I”, 39–49 George Coșbuc Boulevard, 050141 Bucharest, Romania; (G.T.); (D.P.); (A.M.); (A.P.); (M.U.); (F.D.); (B.P.)
| | - Florin Dîrloman
- Military Technical Academy “Ferdinand I”, 39–49 George Coșbuc Boulevard, 050141 Bucharest, Romania; (G.T.); (D.P.); (A.M.); (A.P.); (M.U.); (F.D.); (B.P.)
| | - Bogdan Pulpea
- Military Technical Academy “Ferdinand I”, 39–49 George Coșbuc Boulevard, 050141 Bucharest, Romania; (G.T.); (D.P.); (A.M.); (A.P.); (M.U.); (F.D.); (B.P.)
| | - Lucia Leonat
- National Institute of Materials Physics, 077125 Măgurele, Romania;
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Eco-Friendly Peelable Active Nanocomposite Films Designed for Biological and Chemical Warfare Agents Decontamination. Polymers (Basel) 2021; 13:polym13223999. [PMID: 34833298 PMCID: PMC8620509 DOI: 10.3390/polym13223999] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2021] [Revised: 11/09/2021] [Accepted: 11/12/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
In the context of imminent threats concerning biological and chemical warfare agents, the aim of this study was the development of a new method for biological and chemical decontamination, employing non-toxic, film-forming, water-based biodegradable solutions, using a nano sized reagent together with bentonite as trapping agents for the biological and chemical contaminants. Bentonite-supported nanoparticles of Cu, TiO2, and Ag were successfully synthesized and dispersed in a polyvinyl alcohol (PVA)/glycerol (GLY) aqueous solution. The decontamination effectiveness of the proposed solutions was evaluated by qualitative and quantitative analytical techniques on various micro-organisms, with sulfur mustard (HD) and dimethyl methylphosphonate (DMMP) as contaminants. The results indicate that the peelable active nanocomposite films can be successfully used on contaminated surfaces to neutralize and entrap the hazardous materials and their degradation products. Mechanical and thermal characterization of the polymeric films was also performed to validate the decontamination solution's potential as peelable-film generating materials. The removal efficacy from the contaminated surfaces for the tested micro-organisms varied between 93% and 97%, while for the chemical agent HD, the highest decontamination factor obtained was 90.89%. DMMP was almost completely removed from the contaminated surfaces, and a decontamination factor of 99.97% was obtained.
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Zhong L, Lei J, Deng J, Lei Z, Lei L, Xu X. Existing and potential decontamination methods for radioactively contaminated metals-A Review. PROGRESS IN NUCLEAR ENERGY 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.pnucene.2021.103854] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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20
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Strippable coatings for radioactive contamination removal: a short review and perspectives. J Radioanal Nucl Chem 2021. [DOI: 10.1007/s10967-021-07923-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
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21
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Pulpea D, Rotariu T, Toader G, Pulpea GB, Neculae V, Teodorescu M. Decontamination of radioactive hazardous materials by using novel biodegradable strippable coatings and new generation complexing agents. CHEMOSPHERE 2020; 258:127227. [PMID: 32554003 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2020.127227] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2020] [Revised: 05/22/2020] [Accepted: 05/25/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Eight different types of complexing agents were employed for the development of new biodegradable decontamination solutions that are able to form strippable coatings after they are dispersed and allowed to dry on a variety of surfaces contaminated with 60Co, 133Ba, 137Cs and 241Am radioactive isotopes. The new generation of eco-friendly chelators with superior biodegradability, utilized for the first time in such applications, can easily replace the non-biodegradable and carcinogenic complexing agents that are still in use today, due to their decontamination performances. Furthermore, besides the complexing action over the radionuclides, the solutions contain two types of clays, Bentonite (BT) and Saponite (SP), which have the capacity to adsorb specific ions, improving the decontamination efficiency of the solutions. Our research revealed that it is preferable to replace BT with SP, due to its better dispersibility, thermal stability, next to superior ability to gel and better thermal stability (Miles, 2011). The solutions showed a decontamination factor superior to 95% for 137Cs (on all surfaces), over 90% for 60Co and 133Ba, and more than 72% 241Am (on all surfaces), except for galvanized metal plates, where lower decontamination factors were obtained: over 70% for 133Ba, maximum 41.87% for 241Am and 43.19% for 60Co.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniela Pulpea
- Military Technical Academy "Ferdinand I" - MTA, Bucharest, 050141, Romania
| | - Traian Rotariu
- Military Technical Academy "Ferdinand I" - MTA, Bucharest, 050141, Romania.
| | - Gabriela Toader
- Military Technical Academy "Ferdinand I" - MTA, Bucharest, 050141, Romania
| | | | - Valentina Neculae
- Institute for Nuclear Research Pitesti - ICN, Mioveni, 115400, Romania
| | - Mircea Teodorescu
- University Politehnica of Bucharest - UPB, Bucharest, 011061, Romania
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22
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Study on the Influencing Factors in the Process of Surface Strippable Decontaminant. COATINGS 2020. [DOI: 10.3390/coatings10070649] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
One effective measure of radioactive material purification is the use of strippable decontaminants, which effectively coat the pollutant, capture suspended particles in the air, and deposit them onto the surfaces of objects. However, there are some shortcomings in terms of film formation and peelability, such as a brittle coating and poor peelability. Therefore, in order to meet future military and emergency needs, this research investigated the influencing factors in the process of surface strippable decontamination. Experiments included tests for wettability, potential, particle size, strippable performance, tensile performance, ultraviolet transmittance reflectance, and film formation as well as image analysis of photomicrographs from an optical microscope system. These experiments indicate that the strippable decontaminant is a viable means of contamination removal.
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Evaluation of Mechanical compressive strength of cementitious matrix with 12% of IER formulated by modified polymer (NEPS) at different percentages. Sci Rep 2020; 10:2461. [PMID: 32051511 PMCID: PMC7016108 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-59482-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2019] [Accepted: 01/30/2020] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
During this paper, we improved the compressive strength of cementitious matrix based on ion exchanging resin (IER) at 12% and formulated by the modified novolac epoxy polymer surfactant (NEPS) at various percentages (0, 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5%). The results show that the introduction of 1% and 2% of NEPS in the cementitious matrix with 12% of IER increases the compressive strength compared to that of the basic matrix (from 7 to 90 days). However, the formulations 3, 4 and 5% show the compressive strength is less than that of the basic matrix (from 28 to 90 days).
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Research on nuclear emergency decontamination technology based on strippable coating. J Radioanal Nucl Chem 2019. [DOI: 10.1007/s10967-019-06790-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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25
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Moore J, Raine T, Jenkins A, Livens F, Law K, Morris K, Law G, Yeates S. Decontamination of caesium and strontium from stainless steel surfaces using hydrogels. REACT FUNCT POLYM 2019. [DOI: 10.1016/j.reactfunctpolym.2019.04.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
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26
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Yang HM, Park CW, Lee KW. Enhanced surface decontamination of radioactive Cs by self-generated, strippable hydrogels based on reversible cross-linking. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2019; 362:72-81. [PMID: 30236944 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2018.08.064] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2018] [Revised: 07/18/2018] [Accepted: 08/20/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
A self-generated, strippable hydrogel containing adsorbents was developed to remove the radioactive cesium from surfaces by adsorption for wide-area surface decontamination. Two aqueous polymeric solutions of polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) and phenylboronic-acid-grafted alginate (PBA-Alg) were easily applied to surfaces and subsequently self-generated a hydrogel based on the PBA-diol ester bond. Compared to the strippable coating and chemical gels, the PBA-diol ester bond-based hydrogel was easily peeled off the surfaces without a drying step due to its high elasticity, which is more practical and time saving. The resulting hydrogel displayed high 137Cs removal efficiencies of 91.61% for painted cement, 97.505% for aluminum, 94.05% for stainless steel, and 53.5% for cement, which was 2.3 times higher than that of Decongel due to the presence of the adsorbent in the hydrogel having an excellent Cs distribution coefficient (3.34 × 104 mL/g). Moreover, the volume of radioactive waste generated after the surface decontamination could be reduced by a simple magnetic separation of the adsorbent from the used hydrogel, which can reduce the waste disposal cost. Therefore, our hydrogel system has great potential as a new, cost-effective surface decontaminant in various nuclear industry fields including wide-area environmental remediation after a nuclear accident or terrorist attack.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hee-Man Yang
- Decommissioning Technology Research Division, Korea Atomic Energy Research Institute, 989-111 Daedukdaero, Yuseong, Daejeon, 34057, Republic of Korea.
| | - Chan Woo Park
- Decommissioning Technology Research Division, Korea Atomic Energy Research Institute, 989-111 Daedukdaero, Yuseong, Daejeon, 34057, Republic of Korea
| | - Kune-Woo Lee
- Decommissioning Technology Research Division, Korea Atomic Energy Research Institute, 989-111 Daedukdaero, Yuseong, Daejeon, 34057, Republic of Korea
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