| About this Abstract |
| Meeting |
Materials Science & Technology 2012
|
| Symposium
|
Materials Issues in Nuclear Waste Management in the 21st Century
|
| Presentation Title |
Cross-Linked Chitosan-Based Materials for Decontamination, Containment and Barriers |
| Author(s) |
Michael Cuiffo, Gary Halada |
| On-Site Speaker (Planned) |
Gary Halada |
| Abstract Scope |
Chitosan, a deacetylated form of chitin and the second most abundant natural biopolymer has been shown to absorb metal ions from solution and has hence been proposed as an agent for environmental remediation and water filtration. Nonetheless, practical application requires development of convenient forms which promise retention, durability and dependability, and spectroscopic characterization and leach testing to understand the chemistry and reactivity of chitosan-based complexes. We report on methods we have developed to use physically and chemically modified chitosan stabilized by application of chemical cross-linkers and UV light for secondary containment for nuclear waste barrels and spent nuclear fuel and/or depleted uranium and for decontamination of corroded steel exposed to uranium and transuranic analogs, using either wet application (and subsequent removal through heat lamp exposure) or application as a solid ‘sponge’. In addition, a chitosan-zero valent iron slurry has been developed for use in permeable reactive barriers or barrier liners. |
| Proceedings Inclusion? |
Planned: |