| Abstract Scope |
Vitrification remains a leading technology for the immobilization of low- and intermediate-level radioactive wastes (LILW) due to the chemical durability, compositional flexibility, and long-term stability of glass waste forms. This work reviews recent international advances in glass formulations, processing technologies, and deployment strategies for LILW vitrification, drawing on programs across North America, Europe, and Asia. Key considerations include waste heterogeneity, radionuclide incorporation, and the role of pre-treatment processes such as calcination, incineration, and plasma treatment in conditioning diverse waste streams. A range of vitrification technologies, Joule-heated melters, cold-crucible induction melting, and in-container vitrification, are evaluated in terms of scalability, cost, and performance. While alternative waste forms such as cementitious materials remain widely used, glass offers superior chemical durability and the ability to incorporate radionuclides at the atomic scale. Ongoing developments in mobile and modular vitrification systems further enhance the potential for efficient treatment of legacy and decommissioning wastes. |