PNNL

Abstract

A quantitative description on dispersity of boehmite (?-AlOOH) particles, a key component for rheology of waste slurry at Hanford sites, can provide a useful and simple basis for stability of the slurry. In situ liquid scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was employed to evaluate the stability of the particles in aqueous conditions. Secondary electron (SE) images from in situ liquid SEM were utilized to determine particle centroid locations and the distance to the nearest neighbor particle centroid. Image analysis is shown to provide reliable inter-particle distances as a function of solution ionic strength in acidic and basic conditions. Our finding is consistent with physical insights from corresponding particle interactions under physicochemical conditions.