Glassy Wasteforms for Nuclear Waste Immobilization

Abstract

Glassy wasteforms currently being used for high-level radioactive waste (HLW) as well as for low- and intermediate-level radioactive waste (LILW) immobilization are discussed and their most important parameters are examined, along with a brief description of waste vitrification technology currently used worldwide. Recent developments in advanced nuclear wasteforms are described such as polyphase glass composite materials (GCMs) with higher versatility and waste loading. Aqueous performance of glassy materials is analyzed with a detailed analysis of the role of ion exchange and hydrolysis, and performance of irradiated glasses.