PhD | Durability assessment of innovative binders for radioactive waste immobilization

Job title:

PhD | Durability assessment of innovative binders for radioactive waste immobilization

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Job description

Offer DescriptionManaging radioactive waste is one of the most critical challenges at the crossroads of nuclear energy and environmental protection. In Europe, handling large volumes of radioactive waste requires stringent protocols, especially for low- and intermediate-level materials, which include a variety of solid substances like reactive metals, incineration ashes, and various liquids.Traditionally, cementation has been the primary method for immobilizing these waste forms. However, with evolving environmental standards and increasing concerns over the effectiveness of conventional cementitious materials, there is a growing need to reassess these methods. Initiatives such as the European PREDIS project have started to explore alternative matrices, including geopolymers and blended cements. Nevertheless, more research is urgently needed to understand the long-term performance of these innovative materials under disposal conditions.At the same time, the cement industry is undergoing a transformation to reduce its environmental impact by moving away from high-clinker-content binders (e.g., CEM I). The availability of traditional supplementary materials, such as fly ash and blast-furnace slag, is also expected to decrease. This shift underscores the importance of exploring alternative industrial by-products rich in calcium and aluminum (e.g. bauxite residues, tailings), which show great potential for creating eco-friendly cement/activated matrices that align with circular economy principles.This PhD project offers an exciting opportunity to lead pioneering research on the durability of novel cements and geopolymers designed for immobilizing radioactive Pb/Bi alloys-proposed as coolants in lead-cooled fast reactors-and incineration ashes from organic waste. The key objectives of this research include:

• Mixture Design and Optimization: Develop and optimize innovative conditioning matrices using Fe-rich glasses or metakaolin with/without activation, tailored for the aforementioned waste streams.
• Binding Mechanism and Performance Analysis: Investigate the interactions between these novel conditioning matrices and the waste streams, assessing their long-term performance through accelerated tests (e.g., leaching, carbonation) to ensure the durability and stability of the waste forms over time.
• Model Development: Enhance and adapt existing geochemical and conceptual models to predict chemical, mineralogical, and physical alterations, including thermal, microstructural, and transport properties due to chemical degradation, providing a comprehensive understanding of wasteform evolution under disposal conditions.

The research aims to contribute significantly to the development of safer and more sustainable solutions for the future management of radioactive waste. If you are passionate about cutting-edge materials science and its application in environmental protection, this PhD project offers you a unique opportunity to make a lasting impact in a crucial field.Where to apply WebsiteRequirementsResearch Field Other Education Level Master Degree or equivalentSkills/QualificationsThe minimum diploma level of the candidate needs to be

• Master of sciences

The candidate needs to have a background in

• Construction and building materials, Materials science

Specific RequirementsEstimated duration

• 4 years

Expert group

• Waste and Disposal

Languages ENGLISH Level ExcellentAdditional InformationBenefitsWhy would you choose to perform your PhD research at SCK CEN? * Academic & research-oriented: SCK CEN ensures a close cooperation with the academic sector, combined with the unique character of our international research environment. You will work together with supportive experienced experts and use innovative facilities, specifically designed for nuclear experiments.

• Multidisciplinary research: Your PhD is inextricably linked with other areas of expertise, either because of the versatile character of your own topic, or indirectly thanks to knowledge exchanges with colleagues.

• Excellent training centre: SCK CEN is proud of its own SCK CEN Academy, which organises our own internal training courses. Obviously, you can also benefit from these opportunities and the Academy’s excellent reputation.

Eligibility criteriaSelection processAdditional commentsWebsite for additional job detailsWork Location(s)Number of offers available 1 Company/Institute SCK CEN Country Belgium State/Province Antwerp City Mol Postal Code 2400 Street Boeretang GeofieldContact CityMol WebsiteStreetBoeretang 200 Postal Code2400 E-Mailacademy@sckcen.beSTATUS: EXPIREDShare this page

Expected salary

Location

Belgique

Job date

Sat, 11 Jan 2025 06:20:57 GMT

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