You are here: Home » Energy » What We Do » Technologies » MIDAR Technology
MIDAR Technology
MIDAR is a revolutionary sustainable geopolymer technology that can be used for numerous applications, such as encapsulating nuclear waste.
What is MIDAR?
A technology platform that uses a low temperature chemical reaction to consolidate a refractory material and form a robust body with high strength and chemical stability. The resulting material can be used as an encapsulation and immobilization agent by incorporating a solid or liquid waste stream into the inorganic solid matrix that is formed during the reaction.
The MIDAR geopolymerization process can be varied to accommodate different methods of forming: extrusion, moulding & casting.
Why use MIDAR?
- Potential to utilize waste raw materials to form a high strength, solid matrix similar to ceramics
- As the technology is based on a chemical reaction, no firing is required. This reduces energy usage and carbon emissions
- The resulting material is fire, frost, chemical, shock, water and heat resistant
- It has a low level of leachability of encapsulated materials (e.g. radioactive substances)
- Curing time can be altered to suit system needs
- The resulting solid has negligible shrinkage (near net shape)
- It is a technology that has been honed by an experienced team of scientists and engineers whose aim is to produce materials technologies that address your technical challenges and commercial needs.
MIDAR Compared to Cement and Organic Polymers in an Encapsulation / Immobilization Application:
| Attribute | Cement | Organic or Silicone Polymer | MIDAR |
|---|---|---|---|
| Solids loading | Low | Low | High (up to 50%) |
| Resistance to fire and frost | Low | None/ Limited | Good |
| Chemical resistance | Limited | Limited | Good |
| Shrinkage on curing | Low | Low to high (polymer dependent) | Negligible |
| Application method | Pumped (high viscosity) | Pumped (high viscosity) | Poured or pumped |