Leaching Behavior of Simulated Radioactive Waste Glass by Neutron Activation Method

Abstract

ABSTRACTSimulated radioactive waste glass was irradiated in a nuclear reactor and radiation damage was induced by 10B(n,0)7Li reaction up to 0.14 displacement per atom. Static leach tests of the activated waste glass were carried out at 40°C, up to 38 days. Concentration of elements in leachate was determined by gamma-spectrometry. The leach test of non-irradiated glass was also performed at 40°C up to 82 days in which the solution concentration of elements was determined by an atomic absorption analysis. Leach results are given in terms of normalized elemental mass loss for the seven elements Na, K, Cs, Ca, Zn, La and Ce. Normalized elemental mass loss of alkali ions was proportional to square root of time and then, was proportional to time. Normalized elemental mass loss of alkali earth ions did not show such a simple tendency. Build up of zinc on the waste glass surface was observed following its initial leaching. It was also found that theleach rate of Cs, Zn and Ce decreased with increase of irradiation exposure of waste glass.