Effect of 238Pu Alpha Decay on the Properties of Borosilicate Glass at Experimental and Demonstration Center of Mining Chemical Combine.

An effect of intensive alpha radiation of 238Pu (content in glass up to 4.0 wt %) on the properties of borosilicate glass (BSG) of the Experimental and Demonstration Center at the Mining and Chemical Combine (EDC MCC) for SNF reprocessing was examined. The characteristics of the BSG were studied immediately after preparing the samples and upon set the dose induced by alpha decays in the sample unit volume (α/cm3). The 238Pu uniform distribution in the samples was proved by autoradiography and destructive chemical analysis with α-spectrometric ending. The density of the BSG samples was in the range of 2.71–2.72 g/cm3 depending on the plutonium content and did not change with time. The 238Pu leaching rate on the 28th day at 90°С for two parallel glass samples with a cumulative dose of 1.70 × 1018 α/cm3 was 5.0 × 10–7 g/(cm2 day), which corresponds to the values regulated by the requirements (NP-019-15: Collection, processing, storage, and conditioning of liquid radioactive waste. Safety requirements). The amorphous structure of the sample was preserved at a dose load of 3.2 × 1018 α/cm3 of glass, its density did not vary, and the surface had a vitreous shine. Defects such as crack, chip, turbidity were not found on them. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]