Tech Briefs

How it Works

Much like a household garbage bag is used to protect waste from leaking into a garbage can, special radiological waste bags are used to keep radioactive materials from contaminating storage containers through bag failures. As materials are stored, the polymers used to create these bags fail due to damage from acute and chronic exposure to radiation. This failure can result in contamination and hydrogen generation from the degraded polymer causing a significant hazard in both exposure in repackaging and a potential fire. This new invention uses nanotechnology to infuse radiation-resistant particles onto a sacrificial polymer layer. By altering the material on a molecular level, it is now able to virtually eliminate damage from high-energy alpha particles. A special coating material may also be included between the layers that would function as a sensor for initial failure because the materials changes color if the inner layer of the bag is breached. The research team is continuing to evaluate this coating for application to other plastics and surfaces.

This technology will save money, but more importantly, it will make the process safer. Alpha radiation generating waste with long-term storage often needs to be repackaged before it can be delivered for final disposal. Eliminating or significantly reducing this need for repackaging, will save time, reduce the risk of personnel exposure, and reduce the environmental impact of generating more waste with failed contaminated bags. Additionally, by using inexpensive polymers and additives, the cost increase associated with making the improved bag is minimal.