Hostname: page-component-77c89778f8-fv566 Total loading time: 0 Render date: 2024-07-21T13:39:54.407Z Has data issue: false hasContentIssue false
  • English
  • Français

Characterization of Cement Microstructure for the Immobilization of Nuclear Waste Using Advanced Imaging Methods

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  28 March 2012

D.L. Engelberg ,
J.A. Duff ,
L. Murray ,
L. Dodds ,
N. Mobasher  and
P.J. Withers
D.L. Engelberg
Affiliation:
Research Centre for Radwaste & Decommissioning, School of Materials, University of Manchester, M13 9PL, Manchester, UK Nuclear FiRST CDT, University of Manchester & University of Sheffield, UK
J.A. Duff
Affiliation:
Research Centre for Radwaste & Decommissioning, School of Materials, University of Manchester, M13 9PL, Manchester, UK
L. Murray
Affiliation:
Nuclear FiRST CDT, University of Manchester & University of Sheffield, UK
L. Dodds
Affiliation:
Nuclear FiRST CDT, University of Manchester & University of Sheffield, UK
N. Mobasher
Affiliation:
Nuclear FiRST CDT, University of Manchester & University of Sheffield, UK
P.J. Withers
Affiliation:
Henry Moseley X-ray Imaging Facility (HMXIF), School of Materials, University of Manchester, M13 9PL, Manchester, UK
Get access

Abstract

A range of advanced imaging techniques have been brought together to provide a comprehensive picture of cement microstructure for nuclear waste immobilization. Image analysis of Nirex Reference Vault Backfill (NRVB) has been used to characterize the Calcium-Silicate-Hydrate (C-S-H) matrix fraction. Through weight loss measurements and digital image correlation of OPC-based cement blends we have quantified the development of microstructure surface strains during the initial 48 hrs hardening period. The build-up of displacements on the microstructure scale indicated grain-like compressive areas, surrounded by a network of tensile regions. Serial sectioning of NRVB using ultra-microtome cutting has been explored for advanced high-resolution 3D microstructure characterization, while X-ray Computed Tomography (XCT) has been used to obtain information of the 3-D pore space and size distribution of air pores in NRVB non-destructively.

Type
Articles
Information
MRS Online Proceedings Library (OPL) , Volume 1475: Symposium NW – Scientific Basis for Nuclear Waste Management XXXV , 2012 , imrc11-1475-nw35-o31
Copyright
Copyright © Materials Research Society 2012

Access options

Get access to the full version of this content by using one of the access options below. (Log in options will check for institutional or personal access. Content may require purchase if you do not have access.)

References

REFERENCES

1. Crossland, I.G. and Vines, S.P., NIREX Report N/034, 2001 (http://www.NDA.gov.uk).Google Scholar
2. Hill, J. and Sharp, J.H., Cement and Concrete Composites, Vol.24, p.191–199, 2002.10.1016/S0958-9465(01)00041-5Google Scholar
3. Zhang, T., Cheeseman, C.R. and Vandeperre, L.J., Cement And Concrete Research, Vol.41, No.4, p.439–442, 2011.10.1016/j.cemconres.2011.01.016Google Scholar
4. ImageJ Software (http://rsb.info.nih.gov/ij/)Google Scholar
5. Kastner, J., Harrer, B. and Degischer, H.P., Materials Characterization, Vol.62, p.99–107, 2011 10.1016/j.matchar.2010.11.004Google Scholar
6. Milestone, N. (http://www.rwin.org.uk/presentations/NeilMilestoneISL-RWIN0507.ppt).Google Scholar
7. Thompson, G.E., Shimizu, K., Bethune, B. and Wood, G.C., Microscopy and Analysis, 41–43 1991.Google Scholar
8. Hashimoto, T., Zhou, X., et al. ., Scripta Materialia Vol.63, No.8, p.835–838, 2010.10.1016/j.scriptamat.2010.06.031Google Scholar
9. Gallucci, E., Scrivener, K., Groso, A., Stampanoni, M., Margaritondo, G., Cement and Concrete Research, Vol. 37, p.360–368, 2007.10.1016/j.cemconres.2006.10.012Google Scholar
10. CASA XPS Software (http://www.casaxps.com/)Google Scholar