Epoxy spray locks radioactive contamination in place for safer nuclear decommissioning

PNNL researchers demonstrated a sprayable epoxy composite, AF-1000, that fixes radioactive contamination to surfaces during nuclear decommissioning. The material cures quickly, can be applied with commercial paint sprayers, and can include fillers for radiation attenuation. That makes it lighter and more flexible than cement or glass barriers for reducing contamination spread and worker exposure. The underlying binder, AT2LAS from Advanced American Technologies, is an epoxy resin that can be loaded with metals, ceramics, carbon fibers, and other aggregates. AAT says it can be cast, machined, or adapted for 3D printing, with versions aimed at aerospace, thermal management, and anti-corrosion coatings. For cleanup work, the key open questions are long-term durability and real-world cost per square meter, which the article does not cover.