Effect of Al₂O₃ on structural properties of sodium borosilicate glass and barium sodium borosilicate glass

High Level Radioactive Waste (HLW) is generated during reprocessing of spent nuclear fuel. The HLW from reprocessing of spent AHWR fuel would contain substantial amounts of AI, which is added during dissolution of thorium oxide present in spent fuel. To examine the effect of Al₂O₃ in sodium borosilicate glass and barium sodium borosilicate glass, various compositions based on different glass formulations were prepared. The ratio of SiO₂ to B₂O₃ is kept the same whereas the amount of Al₂O₃ is increased. A maximum of 15 mol% of Al₂O₃ could be added which could form glass within 1200C. XRD studies were conducted on the glass samples to confirm its amorphous nature. NMR studies were done to see for any structural variations in the glass network due to presence of AI₂O₃. (author)