Evolution of glass-ceramic waste forms under geological disposal conditions

Several types of ceramics are being researched around the world for their use in nuclear waste management. This project will focus on the synthesis of Ca, Ti and Zr based ceramics for the immobilisation of plutonium and high-level nuclear waste in the UK and investigate their response to radiation damage, helium bubble formation and corrosion under controlled conditions. The materials will be investigated using techniques such as EXAFS, GIXRD, IR-ATR, ToF-SIMS and TEM to develop a fundamental understanding of the corrosion mechanisms relevant under geological disposal conditions.