PIXE analysis of concrete composition in a research reactor facility under decommissioning

This study conducted an evaluation of elemental composition of concrete in an old nuclear reactor facility using the particle-induced X-ray emission (PIXE) technique. Given that the physical volume of the concrete is huge, easy, and quick analysis of many samples via the PIXE method can expedite the decommissioning work. The result of this study confirmed that it is possible to use the PIXE method for detecting light and medium-heavy elements (from Na to Fe) in concrete without the complicated chemical treatment. Some of these elements contain parent nuclides of Na-24, Al-28, and Fe-55, which are dominant components with residual radioactivity for a period of up to 10 years after facility shutdown.