Diffusion of actinides in glasses containing simulated radioactive wastes

Diffusion coefficients of radionuclides 237Pu, 239Pu and 241Am in simulated alumina phosphate and alumina borosilicate glasses at temperatures lower than their transformation temperatures were determined. Actinides are known to be the least mobile elements. It is shown that crystallization of glasses leads to increasing 237Np diffusion mobility. It is also shown that a rather small quantity of water absorbed by a crystallized alumina phosphate glass intensifies low-temperature migration of 237Np. (author) 6 refs.; 2 tabs