Published online by Cambridge University Press: 15 February 2011
The leaching behavior of a sintered Modified SYNROC-B ceramic waste form containing l0wt% simulated high level radioactive waste, under the influence of γ-irradiation, has been investigated. Similar leaching experiments have been carried out in the absence of γ-irradiation, and the leach rates of Ba and Cs are presented for comparison studies. Acid/Base formation has been monitored through pH measurements of the leachants. A decrease in pH is found with γ-irradiation due to radiolytic nitric acid generation. Higher initial leach rates with a more pronounced subsequent drop in the case of Ba and Cs were observed with γ-irradiation than without irradiation. The results of the study are presented and discussed.