Effect of Elevated Temperatures on the Dehydration of Radioactive Cement-Based Waste Forms Including Iron Hydroxide Slurries Containing α-Emitters

The mechanical strength and chemical stability of the radioactive cement waste forms obtained by solidification of iron hydroxide slurries containing α-emitters were assessed with the aim to evaluate the effect of elevated temperatures in the range from 150 to 250°С. The dehydration of the waste forms in this temperature range exerts no significant negative effect on the extent of fixation of the radionuclides in the matrices and on the strength characteristics of the waste forms. The water loss on heating to 150°C is 11–13%, and further heating to 250°С leads to no more than 10% additional water loss.