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Nepheline crystallization and the residual glass composition: Understanding waste glass durability

Journal Article · · International Journal of Applied Glass Science
DOI:https://doi.org/10.1111/ijag.15418· OSTI ID:1766459
 [1];  [1];  [1];  [1];  [1];  [2]
  1. Savannah River Site (SRS), Aiken, SC (United States). Savannah River National Lab. (SRNL)
  2. U.S. Dept. of Energy, Richland, WA (United States). Office of River Protection
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The vast majority of High-Level Waste (HLW) originating from defense nuclear programs is sequestered and immobilized in borosilicate glass. Borosilicate glass is universally accepted for immobilizing HLW, but its efficiency has limitations based on the compositional makeup of the waste stream. The chemical durability of the glass is the most important factor in determining the longevity and usefulness of the final glass waste form. The primary detriment to this durability in glasses containing high levels of aluminum is nepheline (NaAlSiO4) crystallization, as it is generally accompanied by a measurable decrease in the glass's chemical durability. This work seeks to understand nepheline crystallization, within the context of thermal history, and to elucidate the influence of compositional shifts in the residual glass (after crystallization) on the measured durability. The results presented within show a distinct deviation in leaching behavior as a function of structural makeup (calculated Q units). This understanding will provide practical information required for broadening glass compositional regions needed to more efficiently vitrify HLW.
Research Organization:
Savannah River National Lab (SRNL), Aiken, SC (United States)
Sponsoring Organization:
USDOE Office of Environmental Management (EM)
Grant/Contract Number:
AC09-08SR22470
OSTI ID:
1766459
Report Number(s):
SRNL-STI--2020-00387
Journal Information:
International Journal of Applied Glass Science, Journal Name: International Journal of Applied Glass Science Journal Issue: 4 Vol. 11; ISSN 2041-1286
Publisher:
American Ceramic SocietyCopyright Statement
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English

References (16)

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Glass Property Models and Constraints for Estimating the Glass to be Produced at Hanford by Implementing Current Advanced Glass Formulation Efforts report July 2013

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Related Subjects

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE
chemical durability
crystallization
glass structure
high-level waste glass
nephelineh