Evaluation of temperature dependence of viscosity and crystallization time for Japanese HLW glass

The temperature dependence of viscosity below and above the glass transition temperature (Tg) of simulated high-level radioactive waste (HLW) glass was measured by the fibre bending method and the parallel plate method. The ratio of activation energy for viscous flow below Tg to that above Tg was found to be 0.1, which is significantly smaller than the generally accepted value of 0.5. The long-term crystallization time of HLW glass below Tg was estimated from measured crystallization and viscosity data. A formula of the long-term crystallization time was evaluated with the assistance of a TTT diagram. The HLW glass was evaluated to have a sufficiently long-term stability, even if it is exposed to a maximum temperature of 150°C during the disposal period. (author)