Surface interfacial analysis of simulant high level nuclear waste glass dissolved in synthetic cement solutions

Abstract The corrosion mechanisms and kinetics of a Mg-rich alkali aluminoborosilicate glass simulating UK high-level waste (CaZn28) were investigated upon dissolution in synthetic cement solutions. Dissolution varied as function the different pH alkali/alkaline earth content each solution. High resolution microscopy spectroscopy techniques ascertained nature interface between TEM-EDS revealed alkali- alkaline earth-rich silica gels, into which K, Ca Mg incorporated. TEM-SAED, combined with synchrotron micro-focus XRD, identified ubiquitous precipitation Mg-aluminate layered double hydroxide phase, meixnerite (Mg 6 Al 2 (OH) 18 ·4H O), addition to goethite (FeOOH) crystalline silica. C-S-H tobermorite (Ca 5 Si O 16 was most Ca-rich solution only. These data give insight role solutions or radioactive glasses, importance final disposition geological disposal facility.