New conditionings for separated long-lived radionuclides

Long-lived radionuclides such as I129, Cs135 and minor actinides can be incorporated in crystalline structures of several specific materials with high chemical durability. Apatites, zirconolite, monazites, thorium phosphate-diphosphate and hollandite are being studied at the CEA and among a scientific research group called NOMADE. A first step is devoted to the scientific feasibility dealing with elaboration and characterization of non-radioactive materials and studies of their chemical durability and radiation stability. Development of apatite for iodine and minor actinides, zirconolite for minor actinides, monazite for trivalent actinides and thorium phosphate–diphosphate for tetravalent actinides has reached the scientific feasibility. Cs conditioning in hollandite and phosphate minerals needs further studies. To cite this article: C. Guy et al., C. R. Physique 3 (2002) 827–837.