ABSTRACT

This chapter provides an overview of technologies presented at various symposia and conferences on techniques used to remove radionuclides from the surface of contaminated materials. Technologies that remove surface contaminants can be divided into chemical removal technologies and physical removal technologies. Leaching or chemical decontamination utilizes concentrated or dilute solvents to dissolve either the contamination film covering the base material, or the base material. Many types of chemical agents are used in chemical decontamination processes. Electropolishing is an electrochemical process used industrially to produce a smooth surface on almost any metal. Electropolishing removes the microscopic high points on the surface of a metal. Physical removal technologies are applicable to a variety of base materials, such as metal, rubber, plastic, glass, wood, and concrete. In addition, contaminated surface materials such as paint, oil, grease, dirt, tape, and corrosion layers can be removed effectively.