Dissolution kinetics of smectite under alkaline conditions

Extensive use of cement for encapsulation, backfilling, and grouting purposes is envisaged in radioactive waste disposal. Degradation of cement materials through contact with groundwater can produce a high pH pore fluid initially ranging from pH 13.0 to 13.5. The pore fluid pH eventually decreases to moderately alkaline ranges due to formation and evolution of subsequent materials. The high pH pore fluids can migrate outwards where it will chemically react with the host rock, and the bentonite utilized to enhance the repository's integrity. These chemical reactions degrade the host rocks' and bentonite ability to absorb radionuclides. Smectites comprising the bulk of bentonite can lose some of their desirable properties during the early stages of bentonite-cement-pore fluid interaction. This has been a key research issue in the performance assessment of radioactive waste disposal system. Elucidating the effects of high pH pore fluid on the physical and chemical properties of smectites (i.e. especially dissolution behavior and rates) is of utmost importance. Stirred-flow-through dissolution experiments were utilized to derive reliable dissolution rates for smectites under neutral to highly alkaline conditions. The effects of pH and temperature on smectite dissolution rates were also investigated. (author)