Optimization of lanthanide borosilicate frit compositions for the immobilization of actinides using a Plackett-Burman/simplex algorithm design
- Univ. of Missouri, Rolla, MO (United States)
- Westinghouse Savannah River Co., Aiken, SC (United States)
Immobilization by vitrification is one potential disposition option for a portion of the United States` excess plutonium inventory. Research has been performed at the Savannah River Site (SRS) to determine the optimum composition of a lanthanide borosilicate frit for the vitrification of plutonium using a Plackett-Burman design and simplex algorithm as a statistical tool. This technique uses various response variables to rank and optimize a composition. The variables used in this study correspond to homogeneity, durability, actinide solubility and devitrification after heat-treatment. The optimized frit composition was determined using a constant ThO{sub 2} loading of 20 wt%. No noticeable trends were followed with respect to the individual component which may indicate a relatively robust system able to accommodate variations in the feed. Batches containing various loadings of ThO{sub 2} were melted to determine if actinide solubility was improved in the optimized composition compared to that of a similar lanthanide borosilicate glass. No noticeable improvement in ThO{sub 2} solubility was realized as a result of using this optimization technique.
- OSTI ID:
- 572021
- Report Number(s):
- CONF-961202-; TRN: 98:003686
- Resource Relation:
- Conference: 1996 Fall meeting of the Materials Research Society (MRS), Boston, MA (United States), 2-6 Dec 1996; Other Information: PBD: 1997; Related Information: Is Part Of Scientific basis for nuclear waste management XX; Gray, W.J. [ed.] [Pacific Northwest National Lab., Richland, WA (United States)]; Triay, I.R. [ed.] [Los Alamos National Lab., NM (United States)]; PB: 1389 p.; Materials Research Society symposium proceedings, Volume 465
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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