Behaviour of the Italian Bel 15 borosilicate glass incorporating MTR HLW with reference to the disposal in clay formations

The corrosion of the Italian BEL 15 borosilicate glass is characterized for experimental conditions designed to study glass/clay/water interactions. MCC-1 type static leach tests were carried out using distilled water, synthetic interstitial claywater and wet clay at 40 deg C and 90 deg C and at two SA/V ratios: 10 and 100 m-1. Direct clay-glass contact was simulated by using a specially designed apparatus, with contact time up to 4 months. The corrosion behaviour of the BEL 15 glass is strongly influenced by the leaching medium and pH. The formation of calcium and magnesium phases on the glass surface occurs under all conditions, with the exception of distilled water. 11 refs., 8 figs., 3 tabs