5.21 – Graphite

Graphite has been used in nuclear technology widely as a moderator and a reflector in various reactor types. Most of these reactors have been shutdown today and the irradiated graphite is considered as radioactive waste. However, no waste management route has been identified until today. The following article gives a short overview about the amounts, properties, and contamination levels of irradiated graphite as well as a summary of potential strategies to handle this waste problem.