The Polymer Society of Korea

정예원 (UST-KAERI)

양희만 (한국원자력연구원)

In the event of widespread radioactive contamination caused by nuclear accidents or nuclear terrorism, the effective removal of radioactive nuclides from contaminated surfaces is essential. In this study, a peelable hydrogel based on polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) and borax was developed for rapid and efficient radioactive surface decontamination. Functional fillers, including EDTA, chabazite, and low-silica X (LSX) zeolite, were incorporated into the gel, and their effects on radionuclide removal performance were investigated. When the precursor solutions were sprayed onto contaminated surfaces, borate–diol ester bonds gradually formed between PVA and borax, leading to the spontaneous formation of a peelable hydrogel coating layer. The resulting hydrogel exhibited excellent viscoelastic properties, and stable values of storage modulus (G′) and loss modulus (G″) were maintained even with the incorporation of the functional fillers. The developed hydrogel demonstrated effective removal of radioactive nuclides from various contaminated surfaces, including stainless steel.