Evaluation of the performance of bentonite and red mud and hematite mixture as a shield in radioactive waste landfills

Nuclear energy is one of the emerging industries that has grown significantly in recent decades. Therefore, this industry is used in various applications. However, the increasing use of nuclear technology has led to the challenge of safely disposing of radioactive waste produced in various industries. In response to this problem, solutions have been provided and implemented, among which we can mention safe burial under the ground. In this method, the presence of a protective layer around the landfill plays an essential role. Therefore, the aim of this study is to improve the compacted bentonite layer around the landfill and cap. In this study, in order to improve the properties of the protective layer according to the parameter of linear attenuation coefficient (µ), a combination of red mud powder and hematite has been used as an additive. Also, for laboratory tests, Nal (Tl) detector has been used in two energy levels of ۱۱۷۳ and ۱۳۳۲ keV. Of course, the tested samples also include pure sodium bentonite, bentonite with ۷.۵% hematite powder and ۷.۵% red mud powder, bentonite with ۱۵% hematite powder and ۱۵% red mud powder and bentonite with ۲۲.۵% hematite powder and ۲۲.۵% is red flower powder. In general, the results show that the addition of these additives has improved the absorption properties of gamma rays.