Leaching of Pu, Am, Np, and Tc from high level waste glasses in clay media

K. Lemmens, P. Van Iseghem, L. Wang

    Research outputpeer-review

    Abstract

    The leaching behavior of Pu, Am, Np and Tc from the high-level waste glasses of interest to Belgium has been studied. Corrosion tests were carried out on inactive glasses (the Cogema R7T7 glass SON68 and the DWK Pamela glasses SM513 and SM527), doped with the radionuclides. Nuclide leaching was studied in contact with a slurry of Boom clay, diluted with claywater, at 90°C and 40°C, for durations of up to 4 years. The retention of Pu and Np in the glass surface layers was considerable for SON68 and SM513, but small for SM527. The retention of these elements decreased at lower temperature. Tc was not retained. The largest part of the leached activity is adsorbed onto the clay in an immobile form. Nuclide concentration in mobile form (smaller than 105 MWU) was found to be independent on duration for Pu and Am. Increasing concentrations were found for Np and Tc. The mobile concentrations were smaller in the presence of corrosion products.

    Original languageEnglish
    Title of host publicationMaterials Research Society Symposium Proceedings
    PublisherMRS - Materials Research Society
    Pages147-154
    Number of pages8
    ISBN (Print)1558991891
    StatePublished - 1993
    EventProceedings of the 16th International Symposium on the Scientific Basis for Nuclear Waste Management - Boston, MA, USA
    Duration: 30 Nov 19924 Dec 1992

    Publication series

    NameMaterials Research Society Symposium Proceedings
    Volume294
    ISSN (Print)0272-9172

    Conference

    ConferenceProceedings of the 16th International Symposium on the Scientific Basis for Nuclear Waste Management
    CityBoston, MA, USA
    Period1992-11-301992-12-04

    ASJC Scopus subject areas

    • General Materials Science
    • Condensed Matter Physics
    • Mechanics of Materials
    • Mechanical Engineering

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