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Mechanisms of radiolytic decomposition of complex nuclear waste forms

Conference ·
OSTI ID:476026
; ; ;  [1]
  1. Pacific Northwest National Lab., Richland, WA (United States)

The mechanisms of radiation induced degradation of soda glass were investigated via low-energy (5-120 eV) electron-stimulated desorption (ESD) studies. The major ionic desorption products observed are H{sup +}, Na{sup +}, O{sup +} and Si{sup +}. The primary thresholds for H{sup +}, O{sup +} and Na{sup +} are approximately 25, 30 and 90 eV. These thresholds correlate to deep valence holes which Auger decay. The inter-atomic and intra-atomic Auger processes result in a reversal of the Madelung potential and cation desorption due to Coulomb repulsion. This is one of the main mechanisms of radiation damage of glass surfaces and is typical of wide band-gap materials.

DOE Contract Number:
AC06-76RL01830
OSTI ID:
476026
Report Number(s):
CONF-960804--Vol.1
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English

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