Relating Magnox and international waste glasses

Publication date: 15 November 2019Source: Journal of Non-Crystalline Solids, Volume 524Author(s): Thomas L. Goût, Mike T. Harrison, Ian FarnanAbstractMagnox and international radioactive waste glasses observe significantly different aqueous dissolution behaviours. Previously, the effects of Li on the kinetics of dissolution and B network of analogues of a complex Magnox waste glass were investigated (Li-Mg-EM). Here, an “International Simple Glass” with Li substituted for Na at two ratios (Li-ISG) was fabricated to compare the aqueous durability of Magnox and international glasses. 11B MAS-NMR, 23Na MAS-NMR, 6Li1H CP-NMR and SEM studies are presented. The IIIB/IVB ratio and the role of Na in the pristine glasses varied insignificantly with the Li:Na ratio. Further, the B network of Li-ISG was shown to leach congruently. Li, Na and Mg-containing secondary phases were present for Li-Mg-EM, whilst no precipitates were observed for Li-ISG. Li in ISG was shown to be detrimental but further substitution of Li improved long-term aqueous durability, which was attributed to a LiNa mixed alkali effect for Li-ISG but not Li-Mg-EM.

Source: Journal of Non Crystalline Solids - September 5, 2019 Category: Chemistry Source Type: research