COMPOSITE ION-EXCHANGERS - PROSPECTIVE NUCLEAR APPLICATIONS

Properties and applications of composite ion exchangers developed in this Institute are described. The new sorbents consist of a selective inorganic ion exchanger, e.g., hexacyanoferrate of transition metals or hydrated antimony pentoxide, firmly incorporated into a resin matrix, e.g., phenol-formaldehyde, of various shapes. The composites have proved to be effective adsorbents for radionuclides of cesium, sodium, francium, elements 104 and 105, and some others. The sorbents were successfully tested as filter filters for radiocesium removal from liquid radioactive wastes and from other solutions encountered in nuclear technology. They were also applied in radiochemical studies and in nuclear activation analysis.