Epoxy compounds for immobilizing radioactive wastes

The radiation resistance of epoxy compounds, solidified by crystalline hardening agents - metaphenyl-enediamine and phthalic anhydride - is investigated. It is shown that under conditions of γ irradiation (E = 1.33 MeV) the temperature of vitrification of the compounds depends on the dose (doses up to 1500 Mrad were investigated) and temperature 20–160°C, and the radiation gas release depends on the vitrification temperature and irradiation. It is shown that epoxy-phthalic anhydride compound is best as a matrix for immobilizing solid radioactive wastes at high temperatures (80–130°C).