Geochemical modelling of copper degradation

It is generally accepted that the container for HLW-glass shall be designed to resist corrosion for a long time span such that it effectively contributes to the barriers against the transport of waste components to the biosphere. Among the more sophisticated alloys which are considered for this use, the Swedish concept points to the use of copper as container material. Among the arguments used in the public is the good everyday experience most people have of the stability of coppertubing used in the inhouse water-supply. Another argument in supporting the choice of copper as a good candidate for container material is its wide occurrence as metallic copper in nature which indicates that at least under favourable conditions it will remain stable. Naturally these arguments have been supported by both experimental and theoretical work and here a few of the theoretical aspects of copper stability based on thermodynamic considerations, are presented