Description:
Reference #: 01389
The University of South Carolina is offering licensing opportunities for nano-amended cement composites for nuclear waste storage.
Background:
Cement waste forms are typically used to store low-level nuclear waste, for which the primary isotope of interest is technetium (Tc). Several studies have demonstrated the rapid re-oxidation of Tc when exposed to moderate levels of oxygen and the difficulty in reducing Tc in its mobile form.
Invention Description:
Incorporating well-dispersed and chemically affine multiwalled carbon nanotubes in cement waste forms as a means of offsetting Tc leaching.
Potential Applications:
As of 2009, over 13 million liters of waste containing Tc are stored at the U.S. Department of Energy Savannah River Site, and this addresses the difficulty in storing this nuclear waste. Incorporating carbon nanotubes (CNTs) in cement waste forms radically enhances the ability to store nuclear waste, particularly Tc. The incorporation of CNTs in ordinary Portland cement paste and mortar results in enhanced strength and stiffness properties and reduced porosity.
Advantages and Benefits:
This invention promotes safety by enhancing the radionuclide retention capabilities of cement composites used as low-level nuclear waste forms. Evidence also supports the invention can be deployed in actual cement waste forms like saltstone to enhance radionuclide retention.