The Effect of Waste Loading on the Characteristics of Borosilicate SRS SB4 Waste Glasses

Abstract

The glasses containing surrogate of Sludge Batch 4 (SB4) waste with high concentrations of aluminum and ferrous oxides within the waste loading (WL) range of ∼50 to 70 wt.% produced in alumina crucibles in a resistive furnace and in a 236 mm inner diameter cold crucible were examined by X-ray diffraction, electron microscopy and infra-red spectroscopy. At relatively low WLs (50 to 60 w.%) the products remain predominantly vitreous with minor crystalline spinel structure phase corresponding in chemical composition to trevorite-magnetite solid solution. At higher WLs (>60 wt.%) amount of crystalline phases increased significantly and a nepheline phase was observed. The products with WL of 65 to 70 wt.% were spinel/nepheline glass-ceramics. The glass with 60 wt.% WL slowly cooled in accordance with the canister centerline cooling (CCC) conditions contained minor nepheline. Occurrence of nepheline reduces the chemical durability of nuclear waste glasses.