The sustainability of the nuclear power industry hinges increasingly on the safe, long-term disposal of radioactive waste. Despite significant innovations and advancements in nuclear fuel and reactor design, the quest for a permanent solution to handle accumulating radioactive waste has received comparatively less attention. Conventionally, two widely recognized solidification methods, namely cementation for low and intermediate-level waste and vitrification for high-level waste, have been favored due to their simplicity, affordability, and availability. Recently, geopolymers have emerged as an appealing alternative, gaining attention for their minimal carbon footprint, robust chemical and mechanical properties, cost-effectiveness, and capacity to immobilize a broad spectrum of radionuclides, including radioactive organic compounds. This study delves into the synthesis of metakaolin-based geopolymers tailored for the immobilization of fission products like cesium (Cs) and molybdenum (Mo). The investigation unfolded in two key steps. In the initial step, we optimized the alkali content to prevent the occurrence of efflorescence, a potential issue. Remarkably, as the Na2O/Al2O3 ratio increased from 0.82 to 1.54, we observed significant enhancements in both compressive strength (11.45 to 27.07 MPa) and density (up to 2.23 g/cm3). This suggests the importance of careful adjustment in achieving the desired geopolymer characteristics. The second phase involved the incorporation of 2wt% of Cs and Mo, both individually and as a mixture, into the geopolymer matrix. We prepared the GP paste, which was poured into cylindrical molds and cured at 60°C for one week. To scrutinize the crystallinity, phase purity, and bonding type of the developed matrix, we employed XRD and FTIR techniques. Additionally, we conducted standard compressive strength tests (following ASTM C39/C39M-17b) to assess the stacking durability and robustness of the developed waste form, vital for storage, handling, transportation, and disposal in a deep geological repository. Furthermore, to evaluate the chemical durability, diffusivity and leaching of the GP waste matrix, we employed the ASTM standard Product Consistency Test (PCT: C 1285-02) and American nuclear society’s devised leaching test (ANS 16.1). It is noteworthy that the introduction of Cs and Cs/Mo in the GP matrix led to a reduction of more than 50% and 60% in compressive strength, respectively. This outcome may be attributed to the interference of Cs and Mo with the geopolymerization process, potentially causing the formation of new phases. However, it is crucial to emphasize that both developed matrices exhibited an acceptable normalized leaching rate of less than 10-5 g·m-2·d-1. This finding underscores the promising potential of the GP matrix for the immobilization of cationic and anionic radioactive species, paving the way for more sustainable nuclear waste management practices.

본 논문에서는 지오폴리머의 상변화를 관찰하기 위하여 나노인덴테이션 데이터를 가우시안 믹스쳐 모델로 분석하는 방법을 제시 하였다. 지오폴리머는 일반 시멘트 대비 CO2 발생량을 줄일 수 있어 시멘트 대체 재료로써 많은 연구가 이루어지고 있다. 기존 연구들 로부터 최적의 실리콘/알루미늄 비율을 찾았으나 1.8 초과에서 압축강도 저하의 원인은 아직 불분명하다. 본 연구에서는 실리콘/알루 미늄 비율이 재료에 미치는 영향을 조사하고자 나노인덴테이션 실험을 수행하였다. 실험 결과를 가우시안 믹스쳐 모델로 상분석하였 고, 실리콘/알루미늄 비율이 증가할수록 재료가 균질거동을 하는 것을 관찰할 수 있었다. 본 연구결과는 강도저하를 규명하는데 직접 적인 근거로 활용될 수 있을 것으로 기대된다.