Performance research and engineering application of B2O3-Bi2O3-ZnO glass powder for solidifying iodine-containing silver silica gel

Abstract As to spent fuel reprocessing in the nuclear industry, disposal of iodine-containing silver silica gel (AgIs) is a challenge. Method for immobilizing AgIs with the B-Bi-Zn glass powder at low temperatures has been applied to cope with this dilemma. In ingredient analysis, only diffraction peak of AgI can be detected in the sintered samples. In addition, the element analysis confirmed the existence and distribution of AgI in the solidified matrix. According to leaching experiment, low leaching rate (10−6) demonstrated that the sintered body possessed good chemical stability in liquid circumstance. Based on the research statistics, quality loss ratio of sample (98.58 g) sintered at 600 °C under the gas pressure sintering was merely 1.61%. Meanwhile, the quality retention proportions of AgI and raw powder from thermogravimetric analysis were certified as 98.09% and 96.19% respectively at 600 °C. Therefore, this study comprehensively proved the glass powder curing prospective for AgIs disposal.