ICP-OES and NAA analysis of aerosols generated from molten iron–concrete reactions in the presence of simulated fission products

Elemental analysis of aerosols generated from the high-temperature reactions of molten iron and concrete in the presence of metal oxides was performed using inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectroscopy (ICP-OES) and neutron activation analysis (NAA). From the analysis data, the relative molar concentration ratios (RMCRs) of the major aerosol elements were evaluated based on that of Si (or Fe) originating from concrete (or molten iron). Elements commonly measured by both analytical methods showed similar RMCRs, and the ICP-OES and NAA analysis results could be merged using one of the commonly measured elements. Our high-temperature volatilization order for each element evaluated by the elemental analysis of aerosols was very similar to the release order of fission products from high-temperature irradiated fuel.