Reformation of hazardous wastes into useful supporting materials for fast reactor fuels

Novel concepts for effective utilization of molybdenum (Mo) from nuclear waste and magnesium silicates from hazardous asbestos wastes are proposed. A fast reactor cycle scheme that incorporates each material is described in the present paper. Results of basic studies on several fundamental technologies for the present cycle are given. Basic separation features of Mo by using the LIX63 microcapsule and tertiary pyridine resin were investigated. A simple chemical synthesis route for Mo precursor powder from Mo-containing HNO3 solution was demonstrated. Effects of impurities in recovered Mo on sintering behavior of Mo-pellets were experimentally investigated.

► Utilization of molybdenum from nuclear waste in a fast reactor cycle is proposed.
► Fundamental Mo-reformation scheme was experimentally demonstrated.
► Asbestos-derived materials were tested as sintering aids for fuel fabrication.