About this Abstract |
| Meeting |
MS&T24: Materials Science & Technology
|
| Symposium
|
Ceramic Materials for Nuclear Energy Systems
|
| Presentation Title |
L-3: Characterization and Thermal Stability of (Li,Na,K)2O-Fe2O3-P2O5 Glasses for Waste Immobilization. |
| Author(s) |
Iheanyichukwu Ajoku, Krista Carlson, Charmayne Elizabeth Lonergan |
| On-Site Speaker (Planned) |
Iheanyichukwu Ajoku |
| Abstract Scope |
Nuclear waste management is critical for the success of nuclear energy. Waste vitrification offers a durable, long-term solution, with one approach utilizing alkali-iron phosphate glasses as a host material. This study investigated (Li,K,Na)2O-Fe2O3-P2O5 glasses with varying Fe/P ratios in the polyphosphate regime (3.0<O/P<3.5) for dechlorinated molten salt reactor waste streams. The raw materials were batched and melted at temperatures ranging from 900 to 1100°C. The quenched glasses were analyzed using differential scanning calorimetry, optical microscopy, Raman spectroscopy, and X-ray diffraction (XRD) to understand chemistry impacts on properties. The presence of lithium ferrite and iron phosphate phases was confirmed by XRD, while Raman revealed the presence of Q2 and Q1 structural units. The thermal stability parameters were calculated using the DSC data. Understanding the chemistry-property relationships allows for the design and deployment of robust and stable waste glasses for any nuclear waste stream. |