Mechanism of powellite crystallite expansion within nano-phase separated amorphous matrices under Au-irradiation.

A fundamental approach was taken to understand the implications of increased nuclear waste loading in the search for new materials for long-term radioisotope encapsulation. This study focused on the formation and radiation tolerance of glass ceramics with selectively induced CaMoO as a form to trap the problematic fission product molybdenum. Several samples were synthesised with up to 10 mol% MoO within a soda lime borosilicate matrix, exhibiting phase separation on the nano scale according to thermal analysis, which detected two glass transition temperatures.

β-Irradiation Effects on the Formation and Stability of CaMoO in a Soda Lime Borosilicate Glass Ceramic for Nuclear Waste Storage.

Molybdenum solubility is a limiting factor to actinide loading in nuclear waste glasses, as it initiates the formation of water-soluble crystalline phases such as alkali molybdates. To increase waste loading efficiency, alternative glass ceramic structures are sought that prove resistant to internal radiation resulting from radioisotope decay. In this study, selective formation of water-durable CaMoO in a soda lime borosilicate is achieved by introducing up to 10 mol % MoO in a 1:1 ratio to CaO using a sintering process.