RBS and μPIXE study of I and Cs heterogeneous retention on concrete

A combination of two nuclear ion beam techniques, Rutherford Backscattering Spectrometry (RBS) and mu-Particle Induced X-Ray Emission (mu PIXE) was tested to evaluate both diffusion profiles and radionuclide spatial distribution of radionuclides (RN) onto cement-based materials. The methodology was tested on a Spanish reference backfill concrete, used as engineering barrier in low-level radioactive waste repositories, using two elements (Cs and I) with different sorption behaviour onto the cement. The applicability and limitations of the selected methodology is discussed for both elements.