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Title: Origins of Deviations from Transition-State Theory: Formulating a New Kinetic Rate Law for Dissolution of Silicates

Technical Report ·
DOI:https://doi.org/10.2172/834824· OSTI ID:834824

Present models for dissolution of silicate minerals and glasses, based on transition-state theory (TST), overestimate the reaction rate as solution compositions approach saturation with respect to the rate-governing solid. Therefore, the reactivity of key materials in the environment, such as feldspar, mica, and borosilicate glass, is uncertain, and any prediction of future aqueous durability is suspect. The core objective of this investigation is to determine the origin of these discrepancies and to fashion a quantitative model that reliably predicts the reactivity of silicate materials in realistic environmental conditions. This is being accomplished using newly developed experimental techniques checked against computer simulations based upon first principle theory.

Research Organization:
Pacific Northwest National Lab., Richland, WA; Rice University, Houston, TX; University of Oklahoma, Norman, OK (US)
Sponsoring Organization:
USDOE Office of Environmental Management (EM) (US)
DOE Contract Number:
FG07-01ER63287; FG07-01ER63295
OSTI ID:
834824
Report Number(s):
EMSP-81908-2002; R&D Project: EMSP 81908; TRN: US200433%%401
Resource Relation:
Other Information: PBD: 1 Jun 2002
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English