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Intergranular Films and Pore Surfaces in Synroc C

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  28 February 2011

S. Myhra ,
R. L. Segall ,
R. ST. C. Smart ,
P. S Turner  and
T. J. White
S. Myhra
Affiliation:
School of Science, Griffith University, Nathan, Brisbane, QLD 4111, Australia
R. L. Segall
Affiliation:
School of Science, Griffith University, Nathan, Brisbane, QLD 4111, Australia
R. ST. C. Smart
Affiliation:
School of Science, Griffith University, Nathan, Brisbane, QLD 4111, Australia
P. S Turner
Affiliation:
School of Science, Griffith University, Nathan, Brisbane, QLD 4111, Australia
T. J. White
Affiliation:
School of Science, Griffith University, Nathan, Brisbane, QLD 4111, Australia
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Abstract

High resolution electron microscopy and scanning electron microscopy were used to determine the distribution of intergranular films and microvoids in Synroc C. Diffraction contrast derived from these films, which were 1–3 nm thick, showed then to be ill-defined crystallographically, and they may be described as glassy. Pores were usually several micrometers in extent and occurred principally in rutile-rich areas. The chemical composition of these structural features was obtained using analytical transmission electron microscopy, secondary ion mass spectrometry, x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and scanning Auger microscopy. Within intergranular films, elemental enhancement of cesium, sodium, potassium and aluminium, and possibly silicon and molybdenum was observed. Enhancement of cesium, sodium, phosphorous, aluminium and silicon was found at triple points. Fracture faces preferentially expose grain boundaries, and dissolution of these surfaces proceeds rapidly at ambient temperatures. During the fabrication of Synroc C, microvoids trap cesium vapour, and after cooling this condenses onto pore surfaces. Recognition of the (simulated) waste species which segregate at grain boundaries and pores, permitted the reinterpretation of published leach data for monolithic and crushed Synroc C.

Type
Research Article
Information
MRS Online Proceedings Library (OPL) , Volume 50: Symposium STOCKHOLM – Scientific Basis for Nuclear Waste Management IX , 1985 , 291
Copyright
Copyright © Materials Research Society 1985

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