Modeling of radiation effects on the chemical durability of nuclear waste forms

In solidified forms incorporating high level nuclear waste, the long-term effects of radiation on chemical durability are attributed to the accumulation of atomic displacements. Some of the results obtained by ion implantation have negative implications about the long-term durability of glassified forms; these results, however, have not been supported by those obtained by actinide doping. An attempt has been made to interpret and reconcile the results yielded by the two accelerated radiation-aging techniques, in order to better predict the long-term effects of radiation on the leachability of actual nuclear waste glasses. As a starting point, it is assumed that the implanted ions and α-recoils register latent tracks that etch faster than the surrounding undamaged waste form