Researchers at the University of Sheffield are exploring new cement technologies to safely encapsulate nuclear waste. (Photo: University of Sheffield)
The University of Sheffield announced that it has engaged in a new £1 million (about $1.29 million) research partnership with Sellafield Ltd., the U.K. Nuclear Decommissioning Authority, and the U.K. National Nuclear Laboratory that will seek to address some of the challenges of nuclear waste encapsulation by looking at new cement technologies to provide safe and reliable disposal solutions.
The project will explore how different characteristics and amounts of limestone calcined clay cement, called LC3, can be used to produce the best-performing cements for encapsulating nuclear waste. LC3 is considered a promising new type of cement that offers a more environmentally friendly alternative to traditional Portland cement because of its reduced carbon dioxide emissions during production. In addition, LC3 is produced using naturally abundant limestone and clay materials and therefore is capable of meeting the immense scale of demand for cement and concrete.
According to the University of Sheffield, the research will help to understand how the cement behaves, forming the groundwork for using the new material for encapsulating and safely storing and disposing of nuclear waste. It will also support future development and implementation at Sellafield Ltd. as the U.K. looks to condition and dispose of its nuclear waste.
He said it: “The researchers at Sheffield are experts in cement chemistry and engineering as relevant to the nuclear sector, while the Centre of Expertise for Cement and Process, led by Dr. Stephen Farris at Sellafield Ltd., are experts in industrially focused research, development, and implementation of cement encapsulants to condition complex waste streams,” said Brant Walkley, head of the Sustainable Materials at Sheffield research team.
“This partnership will enhance our overall program of work focused on development of new cement technologies for the nuclear sector and will enable our cross-sector team based at both the University of Sheffield and Sellafield Ltd. to further strengthen its position as a global leader in cement science and engineering.”
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