Optimizing the redox state of nuclear containment glass to enhance the process and material performance

Glass was selected to immobilize nuclear waste because the capacity of the glass network to incorporate a very wide range of chemical species. Until now, efforts to optimize glass matrices have focused on their chemical composition or melting temperature. Vitrification studies in recent years have shown that the redox state of the glass, i.e. the oxidation state of the multivalent species it contains, can significantly modify the properties of the melt and of the final glass. Examples are discussed to highlight the advantages of optimizing the glass redox state to facilitate industrial fabrication processes and improve the resulting glass quality. (author)