In situ dissolution of the international simple glass (ISG-1 & ISG-2) and UK high-level-waste glass in extreme γ-radiation environments

TL;DR

This study examines how high-level waste glasses dissolve under extreme gamma radiation, finding that some elements dissolve more when exposed to radiation.

Contribution

The study introduces in situ gamma-irradiation tests on HLW glasses to assess dissolution behavior under extreme conditions.

Findings

Normalized mass loss of B, Na, Ca, and Mg was higher in gamma-irradiated tests.

Normalized mass loss of Si was comparable or slightly lower in irradiated tests.

Boron-normalized mass losses were higher in irradiated samples compared to controls.

Abstract

In situ γ-irradiated dissolution of the International Simple Glass (ISG) 1 & 2 and a UK high-level waste glass (post-operational-clean-out (POCO)) was investigated following a modified Product Consistency Test-B protocol for 158 d at 40 °C in ultra-high-quality water. Tests were conducted under atmospheric conditions and received a total dose of 21.6 MGy delivered at a rate of 0.137 MGy d–1. The normalised mass loss of B, Na, Ca and Mg were slightly higher in γ-irradiated tests when compared to non-irradiated tests whilst the normalised mass loss of Si was comparable or slightly lower. Boron-normalised mass losses of 0.87 ± 0.31, 0.60 ± 0.04 and 0.68 ± 0.07 g m–2 were calculated for γ-irradiated ISG-1, ISG-2 and POCO, respectively, whilst normalised mass losses in non-irradiated controls were 0.62 ± 0.01, 0.57 ± 0.01 and 0.41 ± 0.06 g m–2. The difference was tentatively attributed to acidification during irradiation.

In situ γ-irradiation tests on HLW reference glasses

In situ γ-irradiation tests on HLW reference glasses

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