Plutonium solubility and self-irradiation effects in borosilicate glass

Plutonium Solubility in High-Level Waste Alkali Borosilicate Glass

“…One of the most in depth investigations of plutonium solubility in alkali borosilicate glass was completed by French workers (Deschanels, 2007). The researchers studied the effects of temperature and redox conditions on the solubility of plutonium in a "complex" glass system (similar to the French R7T7 composition) and a "simple" glass system.…”

“…Deschanels, et al used extended x-ray absorption fine structure (EXAFS) spectroscopy and magic-angle spinning nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy to examine the structure of plutonium in a borosilicate glass in the oxidized (+4) state and reduced (+3) state (Deschanels, 2007). The analyses showed that Pu 4+ acted like an intermediate and promoted network forming in the glass while Pu 3+ , while still an intermediate, acted like a network modifier.…”

“…Deschanels, et al looked at a borosilicate waste g lass composition doped with varying concentrations of Cm-244 to obtain a maximum accumulated α dose to the glass of 4 x 10 18 α/g (Deschanels, 2007). The authors evaluated physical and mechanical properties and initial glass alteration rate after irradiation.…”

“…Peuget and coworkers doped the French reference R7T7 glass with Pu-238, Am-241 and Np-237 at oxide levels of 0.85 wt % in the glass and measured the leach response of the glasses (Peuget, 2007). The testing reached alpha decay dose levels up to 4 x 10 18 α/g.…”

Physical properties and thermoluminescence of glasses designed for radiation dosimetry measurements

“…It comprises more than 10% by mass of the earth's crust. Many researchers around the world have investigated the properties of glass materials such as elastic moduli, optical, radiation and electrical for design and development in many applications including laboratory, industrial, medical, nuclear waste disposal, radiation dosimetry and communication technology [1][2][3][4][5][6][7][8]. Mechanical and physical properties of glasses are determined by the composition of the material and preparation techniques.…”