Preparation and action mechanism of surface radioactive decontaminant

BackgroundStrippable and self-brittle decontaminants are the two most commonly used surface decontaminants. However, peelable decontaminants have problems such as poor mechanical properties and difficulty in peeling whilst the self-brittle decontaminants become brittle due to the diaphragm and cause the potential of secondary pollution during the curing process.PurposeThis study aims to prepare several surface radiaction decontaminants and analyze their performance of decontamination.MethodsFirst of all, butyl acrylate (BA), methacrylic acid (MAA), methyl methacrylate (MMA), acrylic acid (AA) were selected, and preemulsion polymerization was adopted. Two kinds of surface decontaminants with different curing morphology were prepared. Then, the mechanical properties were tested by electronic universal testing machine and the surface of the membrane was observed by optical microscope, and simulated cold decontamination rate test was carried out according to IAEA recommended steps. Finally, action mechanism of surface radioactive decontaminant was studied by wettability and zeta potential test, as well as the combination of detergent and pollutants.ResultsThe test results for BA, MMA, and AA show that the good physical and mechanical properties is achieved when mBA:mMMA:mAA=1:0.9:0.1 hereby the tensile strength can be up to 9.16 MPa and the breaking elongation can be up to 671%, which is a good peeling detergent substrate. Particle size control of MAA and MMA can control the solidification morphology of decontaminant.ConclusionsThe two detergents can be completely excreted and embrittled on different surfaces and forms, and the decontamination rate of simulated nuclides can reach more than 90%.