IAS-SDC-50 Strippable Radioactive
Decontamination Coating
Technical Data Sheet — Revision 2.1 · Effective Date: June 2026
@25°C
Peel Window
m²/L
ASTM D412
Per Unit
Single-Component
Strippable Decon Coating
IAS-SDC-50 is a water-based, single-component strippable radioactive decontamination coating designed for nuclear facility surface decontamination during decommissioning (DECON strategy), hot cell maintenance, D&D field operations, and reactor vessel surface decontamination.
When applied to contaminated surfaces, IAS-SDC-50 dries to form a flexible, adherent polymer film that physically encapsulates and immobilizes radioactive surface contamination. The cured film is then peeled away in continuous strips, removing the encapsulated contamination as solid radioactive waste — eliminating the need for worker contact-scrubbing and the generation of liquid radioactive waste streams.
IAS-SDC-50 allows workers to apply coating rapidly, exit the radiation zone during curing (2–4 hours), then briefly return to strip — reducing sustained worker contact time with contaminated surfaces by 60–80% versus manual decontamination methods.
Complete Technical Specifications
| Parameter | Value (SI / Metric) | Value (US Customary) |
|---|---|---|
| — Physical Properties — | ||
| Product State | Homogeneous aqueous emulsion · Single-component; no mixing required | |
| Color (liquid) | Off-white to pale yellow homogeneous emulsion | |
| Color (cured film) | Transparent to white flexible film | |
| Dynamic Viscosity | 1,300–1,400 mPa·s | 1,300–1,400 cP |
| Density | 1.00–1.05 g/mL | 8.34–8.76 lb/gal |
| pH | 7.0–9.0 (neutral to mildly alkaline) | |
| VOC Content | Non-detect (water-based, no organic solvents) | |
| — Film Mechanical Properties — | ||
| Tensile Strength | ≥ 2.0 MPa (ASTM D412) | ≥ 290 psi |
| Tear Strength | ≥ 10 kN/m (ASTM D624) | ≥ 57 lbf/in |
| Elongation at Break | ≥ 200% | ≥ 200% |
| Film Thickness (dry) | 0.3–0.8 mm | 12–31 mil |
| — Cure & Film Formation — | ||
| Film Formation Time | ≤ 2 hours @ 25°C, ventilated | ≤ 2 hours @ 77°F, ventilated |
| Surface Dry Time | ≤ 4 hours @ 25°C, ventilated | ≤ 4 hours @ 77°F, ventilated |
| Continuous Peel Window | ≤ 8 hours @ 25°C, ventilated | ≤ 8 hours @ 77°F, ventilated |
| Film Mechanical Stability | Maintains recovery specifications for ≥ 2 months after curing · Compatible with mechanized film recovery vehicles throughout | |
| — Application Parameters — | ||
| Coverage Rate | 0.6–2.5 m²/L | 5.9–24.4 ft²/gal |
| Recommended Rate (local decon) | ~1.0 L/m² | ~2.5 gal/100 ft² |
| Application Method | Spray (airless or conventional), brush, roller | |
| Substrate Compatibility | Concrete, painted steel, stainless steel, ceramic tile, glass, coated surfaces | |
| — Packaging, Storage & Shelf Life — | ||
| Packaging | 50 kg sealed drums | |
| Storage Temperature | 5–30°C | 41–86°F |
| Protect From | Freezing (will destroy emulsion irreversibly) · Direct sunlight · Contamination | |
| Shelf Life (unopened) | 12 months from date of manufacture | |
| — Hazard Classification — | ||
| Hazardous Goods (DOT / IATA) | Not regulated · Non-hazardous · Standard commercial shipping | |
| SDS Classification | Non-hazardous, non-flammable, non-toxic aqueous polymer emulsion | |
| Radioactive Content | None — product itself contains no radioactive material | |
Step-by-Step Application Procedure
The following procedure covers standard surface application for nuclear decommissioning and decontamination operations. Adapt to site-specific radiological work permit (RWP) requirements, ALARA procedures, and facility health physics protocols.
IAS-SDC-50 vs Alternative Methods
| Parameter | IAS-SDC-50 Strippable Coating |
Manual Scrub (Wipe Decon) |
Chemical Spray (Acid / Chelant) |
Water Jet Hydrolasing |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Worker contact time | Minimal (application + strip) | Continuous sustained contact | Moderate (spray + rinse) | Moderate |
| Worker dose accumulation | Low (exit zone during cure) | High (sustained proximity) | Moderate | Moderate |
| Waste form generated | Solid film (low volume) | Solid (rags, wipes) | Liquid waste (high volume) | Liquid waste (very high volume) |
| Secondary liquid waste | None | Minimal | Significant | Very significant |
| Hazardous chemicals | None (water-based) | None | Acid / chelant handling | None |
| Large area efficiency | High (mechanized recovery) | Low (labor-intensive) | Moderate | High |
| Vertical surface applicability | Yes (spray in passes) | Yes | Yes | Limited |
| Substrate damage risk | None | Minimal | Possible (acid) | Possible (high pressure) |
Nuclear Facility Applications
Primary Applications
- Nuclear decommissioning (DECON strategy) — structural surface decontamination during active dismantlement; reactor building floors, walls, and ceilings; large-area application with mechanized recovery
- Hot cell wall decontamination — interior cell surfaces, lead glass window frames, manipulator port surrounds; compatible with stainless steel and painted steel liners
- Glove box surfaces — interior stainless steel surfaces of radiochemistry and plutonium glove boxes during maintenance or before decommissioning
- Reactor vessel external surfaces — accessible external surfaces of reactor pressure vessels, steam generators, and primary coolant piping
- Concrete structure decon — reactor building concrete floors and walls; high-alpha contamination areas (Pu, Am); concrete substrate compatibility confirmed
Regulatory Framework
- NRC 10 CFR 50 Subpart D — decommissioning license amendment support; ALARA documentation
- 10 CFR 20.1101 (ALARA) — IAS-SDC-50 used to minimize worker dose during surface decontamination
- MARSSIM / MARSAME — final status survey support; post-decontamination survey validation
- NUREG-0586 — decommissioning framework; IAS-SDC-50 applicable to DECON and SAFSTOR transitions
- 10 CFR 20 Subpart E — license termination survey criteria; decontamination to unrestricted release levels
- DOE Order 458.1 — applicable to DOE facility decommissioning projects
Technical Questions Answered
Is IAS-SDC-50 classified as a hazardous material for shipping?
No. IAS-SDC-50 is a water-based, non-hazardous aqueous polymer emulsion with no flammable solvents, no toxic chemicals, and no radioactive content. It does not require DOT hazardous materials placarding (domestic US) or IATA dangerous goods documentation (international air freight). It ships as a standard commercial product. The radioactive hazard arises only from the substrate contamination the coating captures — not from the product itself.
What types of radioactive contamination does IAS-SDC-50 decontaminate?
IAS-SDC-50 is effective for surface-deposited radioactive contamination: fission products (Cs-137, Sr-90 deposits on concrete and metal); activation products (Co-60, Fe-55 on steel structures); alpha emitters (Pu, Am, U compounds on structural surfaces); loose and lightly-fixed contamination. The mechanism is physical encapsulation in the polymer matrix followed by mechanical removal. Best suited for planar surfaces where uniform film formation and continuous strip recovery are achievable. Contact (650) 646-5199 for specific treatability assessment.
What happens if the film is not stripped within the 8-hour peel window?
After ≥8 hours at ambient conditions (25°C, ventilated), the film continues to cure and may become increasingly brittle, reducing continuous strip recovery length. The contamination remains encapsulated in the film (which is an advantage for fixation), but peel efficiency decreases. If the peel window is exceeded: (1) it may still be possible to remove the film in smaller sections; (2) in extreme cases, the cured film can be mechanically removed (scraping, HEPA-vacuumed). The film does not re-dissolve in water after curing. Contact IAS engineering for site-specific guidance on extended timelines.
How is IAS-SDC-50 waste characterized and disposed?
Stripped IAS-SDC-50 film is a solid radioactive waste. Characterize by: (1) smear survey of waste film surface; (2) dose rate measurement at contact and 30 cm; (3) gamma spectroscopy or radiochemical analysis if required for waste classification. Classify per facility license conditions and 10 CFR 61 (low-level radioactive waste). Package in rad waste bags or drums per facility procedures. Dispose via licensed solid radioactive waste disposal contractor. Key advantage: no secondary liquid waste (no secondary treatment, no evaporation, no ion exchange) — significantly reduces waste volume and cost vs chemical decon methods.
Can IAS-SDC-50 be applied at temperatures below 25°C?
Yes, with modified time expectations. At 15°C: film formation time extends to approximately 3–4 hours; peel window extends to 10–12 hours. At 10°C: film formation approximately 6–8 hours; peel window extends accordingly. Do not apply at temperatures below 5°C (41°F) — emulsion stability may be compromised and film formation incomplete. For cold ambient conditions, consider supplemental space heating in the application area during curing. Contact IAS for cold-weather application guidance: (650) 646-5199.
What documentation does IAS provide for decommissioning license amendments?
IAS provides: (1) Product Technical Data Sheet (this document); (2) Safety Data Sheet (SDS) — non-hazardous classification; (3) Decontamination mechanism technical brief (polymer encapsulation + mechanical removal); (4) Film tensile and tear strength test certificates (ASTM D412, ASTM D624); (5) Application guidance document; (6) Reference to relevant regulatory framework (10 CFR 20, MARSSIM, NUREG-0586). For DOE projects, additional documentation per DOE Order 458.1 requirements is available. Contact: sales@iodineairsystems.com.
Request IAS-SDC-50 Quote & Documentation Package
Full TDS, SDS, ASTM test certificates, and decon mechanism technical brief provided with quotation. Worldwide FOB and CIF available. 50 kg drum pricing.
Contact Iodine Air Systems
Iodine Air Systems · SortLease LLC📍 30 N Gould St Ste R, Sheridan, WY 82801 USA
📞 +1 (650) 646-5199
✉ sales@iodineairsystems.com
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