Studies on Cesium Uptake by Phenolic Resins

Abstract

Abstract The selective removal of cesium by phenolic ion-exchange resins from highly salted alkaline radioactive solutions was studied. The resins were synthesized by alkaline polycondensation of phenol, resorcinol, catechol, and a resorcinol-catechol mixture with formaldehyde and characterized for their moisture regain, ion-exchange (H+→Na+) capacity, and distribution coefficient (KD ) for cesium. The effects of open and sealed curing of the polymers on their properties were studied. The effect of Na+, NaOH, and Cs+ concentration on the uptake of cesium by resorcinol-formaldehyde resin was investigated, in particular. The chemical, thermal, and radiation stabilities of the polymers were also studied.