The encapsulation of fission product gases in various solid media is being considered at ORNL as a possible method for immobilizing these gases during interim storage, transportation, and ultimate storage. This type of immobilization would decrease the possibility of the uncontrolled release of such materials. In the study reported here, three media — glass;plastics, and metals — were investigated for use in encapsulation. The combination of known techniques and extrapolated test results showed that gas loadings of up to 50% of those currently obtained in cylinder storage are obtainable by using either pressurized steel bulbs or molecular sieves in a matrix of epoxy resin. Loadings of up to at least 7.5% should be obtainable by direct dispersion of the gases in glass. Other possible encapsulation methods were also considered, and the advantages and limitations of each are discussed.
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