The Stabilization of Particulate Solid Wastes in Ambient Temperature Waste Forms

During the processing of nuclear wastes, different particulate solid secondary wastes (SSW) can contain radionuclides and other contaminants. In many cases, these spent particulate materials will require stabilization/blending for disposal. Ambient temperature waste forms, such as cementitious waste forms, are common candidates for the stabilization of SSW due to their low cost, receptiveness to a variety of material types, tailorable properties and ability to meet various waste acceptance criteria. A variety of solid secondary wastes (SSW) have been investigated for stabilization in ambient temperature waste forms, including silver mordenite (AgZ), granular activated carbon (GAC), high efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters, and organic-based ion exchange resins. This presentation will cover the development and characterization of candidate ambient temperature waste form formulations for the stabilization of these SSW with a focus on overlapping behaviors and unique challenges to specific SSW types.