The Long-Term Corrosion and Modelling of Two Simulated Belgian Reference High-Level Waste Glasses - Part II

Abstract

ABSTRACTThe long term corrosion of two reference Belgian high-level waste glasses (SAN60 and SM58) were investigated in pure water. The corrosion was studied using powdered glass at a high surface area to volume ratio and temperatures of 90 and 120°C. The experimental data at 90°C reveal a “final” leach rate which decreases with time. At 120°C this “final” state is transient and followed by an enhanced dissolution, which was correlated with extensive surface crystallization. Modelling using the PHREEQE and GLASSOL computer codes described the initial corrosion, but was unable to account for the enhanced dissolution at 120°C.