Fluorapatite as immobilization matrix for nuclear waste

ABSTRACTThe safe confinement of the nuclear waste coming from fuel reprocessing operations is one of the key points in the sustainable development of the nuclear fuel cycle and, in general, of nuclear energy. Different reprocessing technologies lead to the different composition of the nuclear waste generated. Consequently, the traditional high-level waste vitrification technology is not always applicable. Therefore, alternative wasteforms were investigated. Concerning the waste generated during the pyrochemical reprocessing, several reasons made the apatites the best candidate for the immobilization of this kind of nuclear waste. This mineral is, in fact, known for its capability to accommodate in its structure a large variety of cations in different valence states. It is also characterized by good leaching and radiation resistance. In particular, interesting in environmental and materials sciences is the use of apatite to sequester radionuclides such as 90Sr. In the present work, a new approach for the p...