Status of Synroc development

The Synroc strategy for HLW management was proposed in 1978. Since that time extensive evidence for the chemical durability of Synroc has been obtained from tests with simulated HLW, real radioactive waste and from accelerated α-decay damage studies. Synroc fabrication has also been demonstrated on a commercial (10 kg/hr) scale with non-radioactive waste simulants and key process advantages are described. The potential for the utilisation of Synroc together with glass wasteforms is discussed briefly in the context of the partitioning of defense wastes and advanced reprocessing strategies for commercial spent fuel management. In particular, strong scientific evidence exists for the serious consideration of Synroc for the management of excess weapons plutonium if the geological disposed option is pursued in the future