Evaluation of waste forms-container interactions

The corrosion behaviour of steel containers was evaluated under shallow ground repository conditions. It was found that internal corrosion from the contents was the determining factor for the length of the drum in-service life. Evaluation of leaching properties of various waste forms showed no benefit from calcination of a liquid borate concentrate, followed by direct cementation of the liquid, unless the calcinate was chemically altered or stabilized by additives. Centrifugation proved to be acceptable in terms of the accelerated sedimentation test. It can be used for evaluation of all plastic waste forms. The oedometric principle and equipment were applied in determining the swelling pressure. Both methods showed that the black coal tar binder exhibits more favourable properties than routinely used bitumens. (author). 6 refs, 8 figs, 3 tabs