Synthesis of Fukushima Daiichi Cs-bearing microparticles through molten core-concrete interaction in nitrogen atmosphere

Cs-bearing microparticles, released during the accident of Fukushima Daiichi, are a significant concern for health and environment due to their abundance over wide areas, associated with a low solubility. Since their discovery, efforts have been made to characterise these particles and use them as direct witnesses of the various events inside the reactors. This study reports the experimental synthesis of micrometric particles through molten core-concrete interaction. Primary chemical analyses on Al/Si, K/Si and Na/Si atomic ratios seem to confirm concrete as source of Si. Cs has also been identified in low concentrations.