Investigation on boron and iodine behavior during nuclear glass vapor hydration

Abstract Understanding the durability of nuclear glass in vapor phase is essential for evaluating long-term safety glass. This work studies hydration borosilicate and iodine-bearing at 90 °C relative humidity 99%. Hydration kinetics was monitored by analyzing boron iodine released during process. It found that becomes more easily after being added to matrix. The results related release retention indicate possible transformation tetrahedral [4] B trigonal [3] on hydrated surface, which may enhance form boric acid afterward. Release occurred but a far lesser extent than with 92% retained alteration layer, thus opening good perspectives regard disposal high-level waste containing iodine.