Inorganic matrices for immobilization of Tc-99

Abstract

Immobilization of long-lived ⁹⁹Tc requires development of chemically resistant inorganic matrices. Samples of ceramics based on crystalline Fe-Mn- and Zr-Mn-oxide compounds were synthesized at 1150°C in air, reducing or inert atmosphere from precursors doped with 5-12 wt.% Tc. All the samples obtained were studied using optical and scanning electron microscopy (SEM); powder X-ray diffraction (XRD) and microprobe analysis (EMPA). Content of Tc varied from 0.5-0.8 to 3-6 wt.% in oxide host phases and from 54 to 93 wt.% in metallic inclusions. It was demonstrated that synthesis of oxide host-phases under oxidizing or reducing conditions was not optimal due to partial Tc volatilization or metallic phase formation, respectively. The use of inert atmosphere for ceramic synthesis supports Tc incorporation into crystalline structure of stable host-phases. Development of optimal methods of precursor preparation and synthesis conditions of Tc-doped ceramic are being discussed.