Microstructural effects of gamma radiation from simulated radioactive borate liquid waste on hydrated cementitious composite

Abstract The immobilization of radioactive liquid waste through cementitious encapsulation remains a cornerstone strategy in nuclear waste management. This study examines the microstructural impacts of increasing gamma irradiation doses on a PC-SAC-zeolite-bearing composite for boric acid RLW immobilization. The PC-SAC-zeolite-bearing composite specimens were exposed to varying doses of gamma radiation, i.e. to 10 Gy, 500 Gy, and 1000 Gy, respectively. After exposure to gamma radiation, the specimens were then studied using a combination of visual analyses using Stereo Microscopy and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and microstructural analyses using a combination of Transmission Electron Microscope (i.e. Bright-Field BF, Selected Area Electron Diffraction SAED, and Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy EDS), Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy FTIR, and Raman Spectroscopy) analysis to investigate observable changes in the PC-SAC-zeolite-bearing composite specimens after exposure to gamma radiation. Visual alterations and changes in the microstructure of the specimen were observed at a gamma irradiation of 1000 Gy.