Аннотация:The global transition to low-carbon energy sources will require a significant contribution of nuclear
energy to achieve emission goals. Low-level radioactive wastes (LLW) and intermediate-level radioactive
wastes (ILW) are created in various phases of the nuclear fuel cycle for power generation, as well as
from nuclear accidents, legacy weapons production, contaminated site decommissioning, and other
nuclear activities such as radiopharmaceutical production. In this review, we will summarize recent
developments, state-of-the-art glass formulations, and thermal treatment process developments for
vitrification of nuclear LLW and ILW from programs in Europe, Asia, Australia, and North America.
Throughout, we will discuss the selection of glass over other possible waste forms and any special
processing considerations due to the nature of the waste. The characteristics of the wastes, such as
mixed technological waste, waste coming from dismantling of reprocessing facilities, site decommissioning,
and accident site decontamination, are important considerations. This is balanced with the
suite of technologies available to vitrify these wastes, e.g., variations of incineration, in-can melting,
and plasma treatment. Glass properties and microstructural aspects are compared to give an overview
of the versatility of packaging matrices, such as homogeneous glasses, composites, and crystalline
matrices. The volume and heterogeneity of the waste, specific radionuclide content, and solubility of
components in silicate melts, all factor into the selection of a given waste form, processing route, and technology. Case studies include examples from the United States, United Kingdom, the Russian
Federation, France, Australia, Japan, Korea, and China.
Materials Today, 80, 594-618 (2024) https://doi.org/10.1016/j.mattod.2024.08.025