An Experimental Comparison of Alternative Solid Forms for Savannah River High-Level Wastes

Abstract

ABSTRACTSamples of borosilicate glass, high-silica glass, tailored ceramic, and SYNROC, incorporating simulated Savannah River high-level defense waste sludges, were leached by the MCC-1 procedure for times up to 28 days. Cesium, uranium, and cerium leach rates are reported for waste forms containing a composite sludge, at 40°C in deionized water, and at 90°C in deionized water, silicate water, and brine. The ordering of the waste forms from best to worst differs for each element leached, and none of the forms show a clear advantage for all the key radwaste elements. Some cesium leach rates for forms containing high-aluminum or high-iron sludges also are presented. So far, only small effects of sludge type have been observed, with one exception. This study is one of several inputs for selection of an alternative waste form for Savannah River waste.